Most effective ways to treat social phobia/social anxiety disorder

[Cindy]

I have been painfully shy, withdrawn and very uncomfortable in social situations for as long as I can remember. I only very recently realized that social phobia/anxiety disorder fits my symptoms like a glove. I am intelligent, have a graduate degree and have been relatively successful in my career (although I seem to be fearful of success and being in powerful/authoratative positions for any length of time). I am most comfortable at home, by myself(where I am in control), and often avoid making committments to be out or visit with friends socially(even very close friends). I seem to be anxious about loss of control, as well as being judged/evaluated by those I'm with. my insight allows me to realize that this is not6 a rational concern, but that does not lessen the anxiety in any way. I have always been anxious, but have put up defense mechanisms, which likely made me seem aloof, snobbish, distant etc. to others. All I was trying to do was protect myself. I also have had migraine and chronic daily headaches for many years. Could there be a relationship between the headaches and the social anxiety disorder? I'm inclined to think so, myself. Currently, I am taking Prozac 20mg daily and seeing a psychologist. Can you give any insight on helping me to address my problem in the best way? From what I read, there is a very high success rate with treatment. Thank you very much from someone who wants to overcome this, but is afraid.

[Another comment to Cindy]

I am glad that you feel you are doing better with your illness. It is good to know that someone with similar fears is starting to overcome them. I wish you the best of luck! Thanks for the kind words!

[Cindy to Samantha]

Thanks for your reply and good wishes. To answer your questions, I have been seeing the psychologist for 8 months (first time in my life), and I'm taking Prozac 20mg. daily for the same length of time. (I became very anxious and depressed after a death in my immediate family). Samantha, I do believe both have helped me very much. But, I also have to give some credit to myself for trying very hard to make progress (as I always say- - in "baby steps"). Mostly, credit goes to God for protecting me and leading me in the right direction. I know there's a long way to go, meanwhile why not take some joy in each little progress.
I wish you much success with your treatment and hope you'll be feeling better soon. Keep the Faith in God and yourself. Remember, we are each special human beings and children of God.
Till next time.    Cindy

[Reply to Cindy]

First of all, i would like to say that I am sorry that you have this illness. I have similar fears, and I know how it feels, it is no fun. I takes over you whole life, well, your whole life with the people around you. I just want to congradulate you on having the courage to face your fears, and try to live your life. I was wondering if you were on any meds? How long have you been in therapy? I went to see a psychiatrist like 2 weeks ago, she perscribed me 100mg of zoloft for depression, and OCD. The thing is, I dont think i have ocd, well i may have that too, but I think I may also have Schizotypal Personality Disorder. I tried to explain that I had done research on SPD, but the psychiatrist wouldnt listen to me. She told me not to diagnos myself. I am just scared I will get the wrong treatment and wont be able to find out what I really have. I dont know, having a mental illness is very draining. Well, I thank you for your reply, sorry it took a while for me to respond. God bless you, and good luck!

Samantha

[Comment by Cindy]

Just to update you re: my prior weekend plans (see my last message dated 9/24). Everything went very well. My anxiety began to subside by Friday, and by Friday evening, I was looking forward to going the next day. The commute was good and I felt good. I really wanted to "be myself" and not display a facade. I believe that I was successful for the most part. I'd rate the weekend, from my perspective, about a 7 on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the best). Since my goal was just to be able to go, I believe that was accomplished, and even more. I had some fun and enjoyed the company of friends. There were a few periods of discomfort, mostly when the focus of the conversation was on me
for too long. I felt  shyness & that I may have been blushing(probably was not). Those periods were few and ,overall, the weekend was a success, for which I'm very pleased, because it was a step in the right direction ( my therapist agrees and was also pleased with my report on the weekend).I just thought it was important to share something positive with all of you.
If anyone has any thoughts/input, I'd be happy to hear them.

Thanks for "listening".    Cindy

[Cindy in reply to Samantha, Jane and Al]

Yes, there have been many times when I've been uncomfortable (even on the phone) around members of my family (not immediate family, however). Around certain cousins, aunts etc. I do wear my "other face & personality". This weekend, I have social plans out of town with close friends and I'm very anxious about it. Actually, I've been worrying over it for several weeks, since the invitation was extended. I've been talking to my therapist about it since then also. I keep trying to remind myself that this is not a rational fear; I have no reason to feel anxious, but still I do. I get butterflies; what feels like palpitations etc. Can I do it and not feel like I'm being judged/evaluated?  I realize and my therapist confirms that the goal would be just to go. I decided to drive my own car there, rather than go with some of the others; this gives me a sense of freedom/being in control of my own fate, in a way. If I feel the need to leave, I can, without disturbing anyone else.  That's a MAJOR step for me. Whatever happens after that (discomfort,anxiety,fear, maybe even enjoyment?, etc.) we cannot know until I make the leap of faith/trust. Anyway, wish me luck and success. Please know that I wish all of you the very best in dealing with our common (and very real)problem.  Thanks

[samantha]

I was wondering if you, having social anxiety disorder, and social phobia, if you ever get really uncomfortable around everyone, even your own family, and you get tonge tied? Do you ever feel like they are trying to hurt you in any way or anything like that?? Thats the way I feel, and I cant seem to find anyone that feels the same way, if you do, please post a reply to me, well, post one anyway, so i know if you are like me or not, Thanks!

[HFHS.MD-AJ]

Cindy,

A combination of psychotherapy and Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) medications such as Prozac and Paxil has been found useful for treating Social Phobia. You may wish to refer to a question on Social Phobia, posted by Lynn on 9/4/99, with response dated 9/8/99 from HFHS.MD-RG.

I am not aware of any consistent and specific relationship between Social Phobia and headaches. Psychiatric disorders such as anxiety and depression may co-exist with medical illnesses such as migraine.

[Cindy re: my 9/16 post]

Dear Doctor,
I would very much like to hear from one of you regarding my original post "Best ways of treating social anxiety/phobia disorder" (dated 9/16). I know it takes time to receive an answer and am willing to wait, but please respond at some time.
Thanks very much.
Jane, thanks so much for your response. I really appreciate it and I will keep you "posted". Mandy, I could not find your post.
Maybe, submit again? Best to all.   Cindy

[Jane]

Reading your posting was similar to reading my own history.  
After years of therapy with a wonderful (and persistant) psycholagist plus meds when needed, I am in a good place.
The need for a facade in public can be difficult to change but it is happening. I had not connected the headaches with the mental health diagnosis but it sure fits. and guess what as the other symtoms improve the headaches have decreased also
Hang in , there is light at the end of the tunnel. (Or in my case just the ability to go through a tunnel).
I would be happy to hear how you are doing.

[mandy]

Reading your posting was similar to
reading my own history.  
After years of therapy with a wonderful
(and persistant) psycholagist plus meds
when needed, I am in a good place.
The need for a facade in public can be
difficult to change but it is happening.
I had not connected the headaches with
the mental health diagnosis but it sure
fits. and guess what as the other symtoms
improve the headaches have decreased also
Hang in , there is light at the end of
the tunnel. (Or in my case just the
ability to go through a tunnel).
I would be happy to hear how you are
doing.