The majority of the problem for those of us that suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder is believing the lies our minds conjure up. My first thought before a social event is often: “How will I look to others? I’ll come across as stupid or have a panic attack and everyone will judge me for it.” These type of thoughts lead to the symptoms we all know about–sweating, panic, upset stomach and extreme nervousness.
However, the reality is this: MOST PEOPLE THINK ABOUT THEMSELVES MORE THAN THEY THINK ABOUT YOU. It’s true–humans are selfish and self-absorbed most of the time. Most of us, including myself, lay our heads down at night and think about our problems, money issues, relationship struggles, etc. We don’t spend alot of thought time thinking about how stupid someone else is. However, those of us with S.A.D. like to think everyone is thinking about us all the time and how awkward we are. This is a lie from the pit of hell. We don’t know what others are thinking. We need to challenge ourselves when our brains tell us “Everyone’s going to notice you and your idiosyncracies. You’re a social loser.” This is a lie.
Remember, social anxiety disorder does its best work in the land of “make believe”–when we make up lies and believe them. Fight for the truth and watch much of your anxiety melt away. Remember people are in general more worried about themselves than anything or anyone else. As strange as it sounds, we with social anxiety disorder should take comfort in this fact.
We can beat this!
July 23rd, 2008 at 6:09 am
“Great post. Here’s a website that can help you overcome
anxiety disorder without much hassle. You might want to give it a try at http://www.attackanxiety.org“
August 5th, 2008 at 11:29 am
I absolutely love your blog! I think you give some great information here for those suffering with Social Anxiety Disorder!
Would you please visit http://www.GLCzone.com and add your blog there (for free)? I think you could help a lot of people dealing with anxiety disorders. It’s all about sharing and knowing you’re not alone!
Thanks for your time!
Doc KC
http://www.DOCintheBiz.com
August 6th, 2008 at 10:15 pm
Yes, great post indeed. I completely agree that most people are SO INTO THEMSELVES that they have barely any thought about us in the false ways we think they do.
So what should we do? Well, I think we should simply focus on how we can tap into their own importance. Make them feel important and talk about what they might be interested in. They will feel good and you will be focused on them and not you.
STOP THE THE SELF-FOCUS in my battle cry. Our life needs to be ABOUT OTHERS and not ABOUT US. BELIEF in ourselves, TRUST that we can handle all things, and UNDERSATND that we shall grow in life if we let out guard down and allow ourselves to absorb the information that life is WANTING to feed us.
We have to declare war on Social anxiety and this false and selfish belief. Please spread the message far and wide. We can attack and defeat this false lie that wants to consume us. And we shall!