Scared making plans

[jennie67]

I have been battling anxiety for many years and am just about coping with it, apart from what I think is social phobia. I am absolutely petrified to make arrangements to go out with friends. I thoroughly enjoy my friends company and when I have been able to manage to go I have a great time so I just don;t understand what is happening. I am feeling so isolated now because of this.

As soon as someone phones me to suggest an evening out or ask me to come round for a coffee, I make myself so ill. I am terrified of letting people down as I continually have to call off as I am unwell.

Is this social phobia?

[BobbyDog]

I have Social Phobia and have lost all my friends with not keeping in touch. Your symptoms are similar to mine. Perhaps it would be a good idea to talk to your GP about it, they may be able to help you, medication, CBT.

[mar121y]

I'm really scared that I'm just going to loose them all. I'm not good a making plans .

[AnxiousBaker]

I do this! If i make plans it just plays on my mind until i decide i cant go. Even if its something i want to do, the mind goes into overdrive. You are not alone in this!

[hellybelly1982]

This sounds familar and is exactly what I do..

[BeautifulNature]

I used to avoid all social events when i was younger...i now try and force myself into them but yes sometimes it doesn't work. At the moment i am beating myself up when i can't do certain social things and it's playing on my mind a lot. I have been attending a mindfulness course which helps to a certain extent but recently i have been finding i am avoiding the cds...tonight aint a good night either. In one of those moods where i wish i was "normal" if that exists! I remember my psychologist said to me when i was at uni "normally people with social anxiety have had a bad childhood!" this could be possible...if i ever have kids i will make sure this never happens to them, as in develop social anxiety. It's the worst thing ever in my eyes.

[gem7]

yes i get so scared i dont even make plans at the weekend i always hate when its the weekend cos i know i wont be doing nothing just do what i always do tv then on computer then watch more tv again i can relate my anxiety has gotten really bad i even get panic just being around a few people and if i go in to a shop i just feel panic thats why now i am house bound i only just left the house three times in october since then i havent left the house since

[Trembler]

I know this feeling & its makes me feel a failure when I decline an offer to go out. I will only go to places where I know I have an escape route or somewhere to sit down etc. Cant go anywhere where I may have to stand up for ages :( !!!
My closest friend knows how i feel about going out & is a great help, do you have a friend who you could confide in??