I need help

[Oran]

Hi I am a 16 year old boy with social anxiety disorder being a teenager and having social phobia is very hard because your teenage life is when u have to be very social . I feel like my friends dont understand me because i am not very social and dont like to go out and on top of that i have to fit in school and since i got social phobia my grades have been droping . I have gotten help but the medication has not been workin for me can somebody who has overcome social phobia give me tips and advice of how they have overcome their social phobia and it would better if  someone who had social phobia in their teenage years would give me advice thanks

[Quantum]

Just wanted to let you know that I also hated the social aspect of high school.  I had one friend for my 4 years, and I only left my house to go to hers.  Even in college, I didn't make any friends or go out (all of the things that you are supposed to do in college).  Everyone thought that I was mature for my lack of party life, but I was just too afraid to go out in public.  All I can say is that it got easier.  The older I got, the less pressure I felt to fit in.  In my case, I work with a small group of people, and we all have responsibilities that prevent us from interacting with each other outside of work.  These people have become my friends, but it is not like we hang out on the weekends and party.  Also, if i cannot stand the people I work with, I can find a new job, or move to a new city (that would be extreme, but I still could do it).  I haven't outgrown my social phobias, but I find that there is much less social pressure out in the real world.  Through websites like this, you will find that you are not alone, and many other people would never want to relive high school.  I know I sure wouldn't. 

[StonedonPride]

Hi,
I'm 17 years old, and I'm in my last year of school (only a few more weeks to go actually!)
I feel pretty much the same  way. Although I go out with friends, it tends to be only around a group of three or four - these are often my closest friends.
I rarely go to parties or anything like that, although I do force myself to do so occationally. It's best to have a few  good friends  around, who are understanding
and to remind yourself that you can go home anytime you want (Carry a  mobile phone with you). I sometimes make deals with myself that I'll go out and do whatever for
about three hours, and try to meet that. It gets easier with time, I've noticed.

[Hat]

Hi All,

I'm Hat, I wrote the "Lunacy Therapy" bit. I have had Sad most of my life. I've tried lots of medications, with varying results.

I take Moclobemide every day and use Murelax or Temaze when I get anxious for no apparent reason and also if I have to go somewhere that is making me anxious. I have found that "getting in the door" is the hardest part. It is a case of getting used to and having suitable response to different situations. The lack of a suitable reponses is what causes the anxiety. A combination of medication and cognitive and behavioural therapy can be very useful. I could never afford this, so I did my own therapy, as illustrated in "lunacy therapy".

If I can be of any help, keep posting or send me a personal message.

May life be kind to you all,
Jim :) :) :)

[Kitty_]

*make note to read "Lunacy Therapy" after reading last post*
1st (or 2nd) of all SAD has deeply effects my everyday life.
        I'm 13 (8th grade-Middle School) and started noticing my SAD at 6th grade. Thinking I had ADD I went to a pshicatrist. He referred me to a psychologist I had wen I was 9 for OCD. I started Cognitive Therapy when I was in 7th grade. Cognitive Therapy has defiantly helped me cope with SAD, but I'm at a point where it isn't helping as much any more. I'm going to start 'Acceptence and Commitment Therapy' soon, but right now I don't know anything about it (which I'm notsupposed to know yet.)
       My personal (I like to note personal, I could be right or wrong. It mainly depends on the person's feelings, etc.) opinion is that the best way is to have therapy; I've realized so much about myself and life.  I would not want to rely on medications, especially if it has unwanted side-effects. Of course if therapy didn't work for me I would take medication, I'd do anything it took.
     I'm conscience all day and feel like everyone judges me constantly  (I could go on about every situation, but I won't)
     I  have 3-5 best/close friends, and a lot of other friends. I go to school dances and out with friends and family, though not on a weekly basis, and sometimes I turn down some family movies.
    My friends don't fully understand and I wish they understood too. But they do care about me and I love them anyway.

 I'm glad to know SOMEONE exists apart from me with SAD, although I do wish I knew someone my age.
Hopefully I didn't write too much^_^'''
*Thanks Spell Checker :)!*  -Kitty_