SA, tension

[Susanna]

In my bad periods I suffer from social anxiety. I get tense even at the anticipation of going out (of course, it's all about anticipation...) Last night I met new people from my b's work, we had something to eat together in this very bright, crowded place... I was tense, especially when asked about myself. Then I feel this... shock? in my arms, my hands trembled a bit. And then I felt better and started relaxing and chatting more easily! Has it ever occurred to you? Like you're keeping your energy bottled up, then it's released and afterwards you feel like rebalanced. That's why physical exercise and yoga help so much.

I try to have a "who cares" attitude about social anxiety, it's not easy but it's the real remedy. Anxiety just ruins moments when you just have to *live* and relax. But then, most of the time I'm able to relax and go with the flow so it's not so bad! I tell myself: don't mind the tension, only focus on the good moments. Don't be too hard on yourself, you're not perfect and it's okay to have fears.

[Warbirdwf]

Funny, I don't see many people mention "tension" on this site. Where is your tension based? I don't have SA but have GA instead. When my anxiety symptoms flair, I feel myself "tense" up. I usually carry the tension in my trap muscles and sometimes I feel my chest muscles get tense.

What's weird for me is sometimes I feel strong anxiety first then after the anxiety dissapates, I feel my trap muscles tense up for a while.

Weird...

[Susanna]

The tension I was talking about is both psychological and physical - or maybe it starts as psy. and ends up phy.!
Sometimes I also feel tension in my neck, I guess it's very common.

[MrBBB]

I get neck and shoulder tension, not just in social situations, but sometimes for no apparent reason. I think all types of anxiety probably bring this on to some degree, it seems to be very common. It all comes down to the negative thoughts, even when you don't even conscously realize you are thinking them!

[emilem]

Tension is actually the biggest symptom of my social anxiety disorder. My neck, shoulder and jaw muscles are ALWAYS tight. I go to physiotherapy for help and I'm about to start medication, which will hopefully help me relax.

[jayfeather]

i have that problem too, only it's mostly my face and neck that is tense. my face is always so tense, that it kinda twitches  thanks for the advice.