Voulan said:
Abomination said:
If your social anxiety stops you from being able to order food or something simple I will both feel bad for you and have little respect for you. I've had to deal with folks with social anxiety and they're generally a nuisance who need people to baby them in a public setting - especially when folks use it as a crutch when it comes to dealing with problems.
Recognize it as a flaw then work to overcome it - don't just accept it as "part of you".
I can't help but think that was directed at me, and I'm honestly quite offended by your remark.
Then go ahead and be offended... and also too bad.
It's a diagnosable mental disorder, not just being "too shy" or "introverted".
I know that, but just because I didn't go out and get myself analyzed doesn't mean I didn't have it. Despite showing all the signs I thought about why I had such issues dealing with people or dealing with the public? and I made changes to overcome them.
I don't use it as an excuse either - I have no choice but to deal with it since the world demands you to leave the house and the such-like. I don't need babying, especially since I don't tell people about it (for fear they'll view me negatively, which is what social anxiety is all about).
And that's the thing right there. It's a self-fulfilling prophecy. Upon recognizing that and focusing on overcoming it can one actually improve their situation? but using it as an excuse to not even try and overcome it is just another self-fulfilling prophecy.
Please try to be a little understanding. It's like telling someone with Depression to "get over it and be more cheerful".
Like I said, I do understand but that doesn't mean I have to like or accept the quality in someone.
Social anxiety can be crippling and it's up to the person with it to come to terms to overcome it. Too many people with social anxiety I have met just complain about how they have it, and when I ask what they are doing to overcome it I get excuses. Yes it sucks to have it, yes it's difficult to get rid of... but it won't go anywhere unless someone seeks help and actively challenges themselves and is challenged by other people to overcome it.
My girlfriend has it and I do what I can to help her with it. I challenge her and she's seen incredible improvements. Still has some work to do and I explain many times how I am disappointed if she can't perform a normal function, but I also help her with it... the thing is she has to contribute too and she has to do more than I can. She does, and that's how she improves.
Social anxiety isn't an excuse to not interact with others, it's a challenge to overcome.