KW
06-11-08, 23:21
Hello..
I haven't been on here for a very long time but thought i'd update how I'm getting on if anyone is interested..
I had counselling for six months which finished in June this year. It was the best thing ever and has helped me to move forward in life. I do still suffer with Social Phobia however if there's one bit of advice I can offer anyone who is going through this humiliating phobia...keep going..keep facing everyday challenges. I have challenged myself beyond what I thought were my limits by putting myself in those uncomfortable situations and life has got a lot easier.
I joined a Pilates group a year ago. Something I never dreamed I do. I dreaded it, got so nervous about going to the first session, had all the usual negative thoughts..i was worried we might have to introduce ourselves and I'd end up having a major panic attack, however none of that happened. There was approx 15 people in the room and being new I stood near the instructor. This meant everyone in the room would be looking my way to follow the instructor's moves. I felt sooo self conscious and hated every minute of it. But I went back the next week and continued to attend for just over a year. I was always quiet and felt I didn't fit in really but then I was younger than the others and they had more in common with each other so I told myself 'don't keep beating yourself up!' I hated doing some of the moves as we all faced each other in a big circle but I tell you what...it did me the world of good.. because even though I felt uncomfortable I faced my fear...head on.
I'm now more confident than ever as it's taught me I CAN do these things. It is POSSIBLE to meet new people and do new things.. and why should a phobia stop me?!
Even though i've just given pilates up due to not being able to afford to go I plan to do something else.. I have panic attacks in group situations but guess what my next challenge is... to join a book reading club! Or similar.. I can't wait..bring it on :)
I haven't been on here for a very long time but thought i'd update how I'm getting on if anyone is interested..
I had counselling for six months which finished in June this year. It was the best thing ever and has helped me to move forward in life. I do still suffer with Social Phobia however if there's one bit of advice I can offer anyone who is going through this humiliating phobia...keep going..keep facing everyday challenges. I have challenged myself beyond what I thought were my limits by putting myself in those uncomfortable situations and life has got a lot easier.
I joined a Pilates group a year ago. Something I never dreamed I do. I dreaded it, got so nervous about going to the first session, had all the usual negative thoughts..i was worried we might have to introduce ourselves and I'd end up having a major panic attack, however none of that happened. There was approx 15 people in the room and being new I stood near the instructor. This meant everyone in the room would be looking my way to follow the instructor's moves. I felt sooo self conscious and hated every minute of it. But I went back the next week and continued to attend for just over a year. I was always quiet and felt I didn't fit in really but then I was younger than the others and they had more in common with each other so I told myself 'don't keep beating yourself up!' I hated doing some of the moves as we all faced each other in a big circle but I tell you what...it did me the world of good.. because even though I felt uncomfortable I faced my fear...head on.
I'm now more confident than ever as it's taught me I CAN do these things. It is POSSIBLE to meet new people and do new things.. and why should a phobia stop me?!
Even though i've just given pilates up due to not being able to afford to go I plan to do something else.. I have panic attacks in group situations but guess what my next challenge is... to join a book reading club! Or similar.. I can't wait..bring it on :)