Lived Experience Forum

[john74]

Hi l suffer from social anxiety and severe depression and anxiety.  I am so isolated after a family breakdown and have no friends or family.  Just so scared to try to get out of my shell after years of abuse.  Any suggestions?

[Mauve]

I hear you and understand from the point of having similar symptoms. Posting on here is a good start.

[Miss-wish]

Hi @john74,

Have you found a DV organisation to talk to?  1800respect (1800737732 ) they had a different name almost 20 years ago when I used them. They were great help and made me realise that it's not just the physical things that are damaging, they got me to understand and process what for years had been happening.

Support groups online and face to face, it can take time to open up and there is never any rush. what did you enjoy doing before? have you got any new interests?  

[mrt424u]

Hello! I've had SA my whole life, and full blown agoraphobia amounting to 1/8 th of my life. At first it's great to hide away from everything but then the loneliness...omg the loneliness. 

everyone's different right, but I'll tell you what helped me. i took part in a mindfulness for depression and anxiety study at a local Uni, but i guess anyone who offers this would be great. Getting there was difficult, but i used small amounts of anxiolytics the first few times. This was a life changing experience for me. 

Started volunteering... again very difficult but used aniolytics the first couple of times until i got over my fear of lots of people. 

The local dog park has been amazing! obviously helps if you have a dog...lol. 

Am guessing since you have a diagnosis you probably have a medico? if not, speak to one (GP/psychiatrist) and try anti-depressants 

I've life long bi polar and am medicated, but the meds aren't great. i use aerobic exercise to kick the dog to the curb. i run or cycle (i started with fat paced walking). it's truly been a blessing for me. 

Good luck, thanks for asking for help and allowing me to ramble at you. I'm suffering a bit of loneliness myself ATM, but is very fluid and situational. i know it will pass.

[tyme]

Hey @mrt424u ,

Thank you so much for sharing. It's incredible to read of how far you have come. 

[oceangirl]

Hi @john74 

I hear you. I can relate to how you feel. You are very strong to deal with all of this. Little steps forwarded, and only do things that you are comfortable with. 

How do you manage your condition? Physical activity will help reduce your anxiety. 

[NatureLover]

Sorry to hear, @john74 . You mentioned you have severe depression, so I'm not sure how able you are to get out and about. But if/when you feel able, volunteering is a great way to meet new friends and socialise over work tasks. 

Sending you good wishes...

[john74]

Thanks # nature lover l am just so scared of rejection and what other people think of me

[john74]

Thanks @NatureLover l am just so scared of others judging me and rejection.  I don't have reliable transport so that's hard. 

[john74]

I do walk regularly but l am very self conscious about what others think