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HighGuy
Stranger

Registered: 12/08/05
Posts: 333
Last seen: 8 years, 7 months
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Social Anxiety Disorder...?
#5510612 - 04/12/06 11:36 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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Hey Guys, Just had a question. I have noticed a big change in my personality over the past 6 months. I've been smoking weed pretty heavily, not sure if this has anything to do with it. As of late I have become extremely self conscious around everyone, even friends. I always think that everyone is going to judge what I say or do, it's gotten to the point where its so bad that I can't even engage in conversation anymore, I usually just reply with "yeah" or "sweet" to anything someone says to me. Now its so bad as to where I won't even go into a gas station alone or ask a stock person where something is located in the store. I used to be a pretty outgoing person who didn't really care what others thought of me, and I hate how I am now. I'm thinking about getting a perscription to treat this, idk, anyone here take meds to help with SAD? Do they help? Or is it another one of those pills you have to be on your entire life? Oh and one more thing, is there something that triggers this or is it just if you have it you have it?
-------------------- http://www.lp.org Start making America free again.
Edited by HighGuy (04/12/06 11:39 PM)
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NickSoapdish
Hypochondriac


Registered: 04/15/05
Posts: 690
Last seen: 13 years, 21 days
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: HighGuy]
#5510732 - 04/13/06 12:05 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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Just because you feel anxious in social situations, doesn't necessarily mean you have social anxiety disorder. When I'm high, I usually feel self conscious as well. Is that how you feel when you smoke? If so, I'd imagine it might play a role with how you're feeling.
It can become a fixation, even while sober. Quit smoking weed for a while, if you haven't already. Spend a lot more time with people that you're already comfortable with, until you're confidence comes back. Personally, when I hang out with close friends, and I'm comfortable being completely open and expressive, it reminds me of that state of mind, and I can usually project it into less comfortable social situations. I remind myself that realistically, no one is judging me as harshly as I imagine, and it's all in my head. I also remind myself that strangers' opinions of me are meaningless, especially since I'll probably never see them again. I know trying to change your perception of reality is easier said than done, but give it a try.
There are many things you could try before resorting to a perscription, which may or may not do anything for you in the first place.
If none of that helped, take solace in the fact that many other people feel the way you do, at some point in their lives. I know where you're coming from.
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bobjones
...


Registered: 10/12/05
Posts: 999
Loc: Tx
Last seen: 8 years, 3 months
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: NickSoapdish]
#5510857 - 04/13/06 01:02 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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lay off the green for awhile. give meditation a shot.
-------------------- "Outside of a dog a book is a man's friend. Inside of a dog it's too dark to read" -Groucho Marx
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Deviate
newbie
Registered: 04/20/03
Posts: 4,497
Last seen: 8 years, 4 months
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: bobjones]
#5510874 - 04/13/06 01:09 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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ive stuggled with social anxeity for a long time. in my experience medication didn't help at all. in fact it makes you feel worse about yourself because it reinforces the idea that there's something wrong with you. you start to think ''omg what if this person knew i took medication for social anxiety?'' getting off the medication is also a bitch. it seems to me like you should try to stop smoking weed and see if that helps.
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The_Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins


Registered: 04/06/04
Posts: 1,382
Loc: The Shire
Last seen: 16 years, 10 months
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: Deviate]
#5510979 - 04/13/06 02:27 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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I think that Brandon has a point with being around his good friends where he feels comfortable. I beleive that, for myself atleast, it's logical to fall back into thought processes that you are usually in. If you start thinking about judgement and worrying about yourself, then you will get caught up in that because any time you fear anything you will automatically take that on yourself. It's like you're carrying a huge load and no matter how hard you try, you can't shake it off. You can't just say "ok act normal". You need to have the reference of a good state of mind. You need to find something in your life, every day, that will put you on the right track so that you don't get caught up.
Also, learn to analyze your thoughts and make a decision about what they mean for you. If it's some negative thing, then don't give it any special attention. Just go on doing what you're doing.
It's a tough thing, I beleive, to make something of a given situation where you're put under pressure. It basically comes down to your desire to do something. You just have to find the way to do it. Being in a social situation is not easy. Just remember that you want to do a certain thing and then do it. If you feel like saying something, then just do it. If you want to stare off into the sky, then do it. After a while, you will have turned things around into something that is good.
I personally beleive that exercising every morning is the best way to go about things.
-------------------- Smoking my hobbit leaf... Please keep in mind that I am just a human being. Please read my posts carefully and interpret their meaning for yourself.
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Jackattack
Stranger

Registered: 01/16/06
Posts: 150
Last seen: 17 years, 2 months
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: The_Hobbit]
#5516019 - 04/14/06 01:09 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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What most people don't know is that there are many different feelings that a person can get to cause them to be self-conscious about them-selves. Low serotonin can do it to you but low dopamine and norepinephrine can too but in a completely different way. There's many more things that can do it but these are the only two that Im familiar with. Here's the symptoms of the two so you can tell whats causing yours.
Low Serotonin = Lost ability to feel love, Can't laugh, No sense of humor, May feel like the world is covered in sadness, Hard to make emotional connections with people.
Low Dopamine and Norepinephrine = Hard to concentrate, easily worn out mentally and psychically, Feeling incomplete and not good enough, Forgetful,
Which one of these best fits you? It could be neither and have something to do with your GABA system but I don't really know whats it's like for sure because my Gaba system is fine but I'll make a guess of the symptoms.
Low Gaba = Every noise scares you by shock like when a monster jumps out in a scary movie, Easily aggitated, feeling panicky for no reason
Disclaimer: There is no scientific evidence to what I wrote is right. I myself came up with this information based on little reseach and self-analysis of my feelings on certain medications. Take the information with a grain of salt.
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DriAno
student


Registered: 03/01/06
Posts: 149
Last seen: 16 years, 1 month
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: Jackattack]
#5520752 - 04/16/06 11:36 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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hey ive done some research on my own how ever i cant seem to find natiral ways to increase serotonin and dopamine any suggestions?
-------------------- ...................................................................Smile. Its not that hard. Just squeeze ur But cheecks. SEE!!! ...................................................
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SmokenBabyJesus
Smoker of Religious Figures

Registered: 04/13/05
Posts: 1,217
Loc: Maryland
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: HighGuy]
#5521536 - 04/16/06 04:05 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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For a while I noticed myself dropping away from social situations, I noticed this as I got more into philosophy and shit, basicly I didn't wanna interact with people on a superficial level, I wanted to really connect and when people didn't want to connect on that level I kinda fell away and couldn't interact. I think it was all in my head
-------------------- "Where?
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p4kSouL
Animals Are Cool
Registered: 01/13/05
Posts: 3,666
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There's nothing wrong with you, the problem is you hate the way you feel about being anxious. Everybody has anxiety, and your just filtering the world in a way so social situations become life and death threatening. Start loving yourself as a person, instead of consciously fighting your anxiety, except yourself for who you are and for having anxiety. After you can do that, you can start to redevelop yourself in a confident way.
Life is one big illusion.
Oh yeah quit smoking weed, it does no good.
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The_Hobbit
Bilbo Baggins


Registered: 04/06/04
Posts: 1,382
Loc: The Shire
Last seen: 16 years, 10 months
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: p4kSouL]
#5523534 - 04/17/06 05:34 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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I agree with your first point, but not the last two. Life is no an illusion. Dreams are an illusion. Life is real. When you say to yourself in your head "This is not a game. This is real. This is. Be aware. Focus." You cannot help but understand and do exactly that. How can you say life is an illusion? Would you like me to come stab you with my illusory knife and see your illusory blood drain out of your illusory body?
And weed.. it can be a good thing depending on how it effects the person. I think that people should treat it with alot of respect and understand that it can seriously perpetuate anxiety, negativity, and dementia. I think you should use it in moderation and make it a special occasion.
Quote:
DriAno said: hey ive done some research on my own how ever i cant seem to find natiral ways to increase serotonin and dopamine any suggestions?
Exercise, meditation, good foods.
Quote:
SmokenBabyJesus said: For a while I noticed myself dropping away from social situations, I noticed this as I got more into philosophy and shit, basicly I didn't wanna interact with people on a superficial level, I wanted to really connect and when people didn't want to connect on that level I kinda fell away and couldn't interact. I think it was all in my head
Sure it's all in you're head. You have to find a way to balance yourself with everything else. If you talk to someone expecting something, then obviously you'll have to work at it to get to that point. Some people simply don't want to get into a really deep discussion for, what seems to them to be, no reason. So you may have to deal with the fact that you cannot have that kind of conversation with that person or deal with the struggle necessary to convince them to have that kind of conversation. In any case, there is no reason not to talk to somebody. Shit.. even if somebody's an asshole you can still talk to them if you have self respect. What's the harm in experiencing another person? Like Jim Morrison said in that one song, "She lives on loves street, lingers lone on love street. She has a house and garden, I would like to see what happens." I may be wrong, but I'm thinking that he means.. you are who you are and if you know that, you could walk up to her and just say hi and see what happens (or just skip saying hi and stare at her.. whatver you please). You never know the possibilities.
la la la, lalalala. lalalalala la la la la. =D
-------------------- Smoking my hobbit leaf... Please keep in mind that I am just a human being. Please read my posts carefully and interpret their meaning for yourself.
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DarkFluFFy
Vapid Soul

Registered: 01/04/05
Posts: 151
Last seen: 3 years, 2 months
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? *DELETED* [Re: The_Hobbit]
#5523726 - 04/17/06 08:01 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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Post deleted by DarkFluFFyReason for deletion: hard topic
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p4kSouL
Animals Are Cool
Registered: 01/13/05
Posts: 3,666
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: DarkFluFFy]
#5523729 - 04/17/06 08:04 AM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
hobbitcg said: I agree with your first point, but not the last two. Life is no an illusion. Dreams are an illusion. Life is real. When you say to yourself in your head "This is not a game. This is real. This is. Be aware. Focus." You cannot help but understand and do exactly that. How can you say life is an illusion? Would you like me to come stab you with my illusory knife and see your illusory blood drain out of your illusory body?
There might be a physical world out there but the truth is your mind doesn't know the difference between a dream(imagination, memory's) and reality. You perceive reality in YOUR MIND and then it filters through all your experiences and beliefs which you developed through out your whole life. How do you know its real? Did "god" tell you? Since you perceive things in your mind, you have to power to change things. First you have to consciously STOP trying to stun your anxiety, since your mind runs mainly on subconscious memory's and experiences how do you think this small percentage of conscious mind could stop it, it is actually causes rejection to your subconscious thus bringing out more anxiety.
Read this- http://www.nlpweekly.com/?p=582
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Amatoxin
Injected With A Poison


Registered: 03/27/05
Posts: 1,934
Loc: Not So Great Britain
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: HighGuy]
#5524698 - 04/17/06 12:26 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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Smoking weed / resin gave me extreme social anxiety which then developed over a period of time into panic attacks and depression. I eventually gave up the stuff but the problems persisted for a long while afterwards 
I'm actually a member of an online community that deals with helping people with panic disorders, OCD, depression etc and its unbelievable the amount of people there who are sure their problems stemmed from cannabis.
My advice is cut the stuff out completely for a good few months and see if your symptoms improve.
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Sectioned Under The Mental Health Act Sat 20-10-07 to Thurs 01-11-07 for playing TECHNO music
Edited by Amatoxin (04/17/06 12:35 PM)
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wilshire
free radical


Registered: 05/11/05
Posts: 2,421
Loc: SE PA
Last seen: 14 years, 3 days
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: HighGuy]
#5525659 - 04/17/06 04:20 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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i got like that when i smoked weed heavily. despite what some people will tell you, any aspect of your lifestyle, drug-related or otherwise, can affect your personality and confidence, and for a number of people, heavy pot smoking can make them less confident and more inward.
i'm not saying it does that to everyone, but i do think there's a good chance it has something to do with your situation.
i would never take medication for something like this. something with your lifestyle and mindset is causing this. it's a problem to be faced, experienced, and resolved. psychiatric drugs should be avoided.
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Jackattack
Stranger

Registered: 01/16/06
Posts: 150
Last seen: 17 years, 2 months
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Quote:
SmokenBabyJesus said: For a while I noticed myself dropping away from social situations, I noticed this as I got more into philosophy and shit, basicly I didn't wanna interact with people on a superficial level, I wanted to really connect and when people didn't want to connect on that level I kinda fell away and couldn't interact. I think it was all in my head
Beleive it or not I see this has a sign towards self-improvement. Your opening your eyes up to the reality of this world. Recognition of Right/Wrong becoming more pronouced can cause one to question your own Morality. The next step now is to rid yourself of desire and start living for what you beleive in. Read Tao Te Ching and Buddhism those will be able to explain it better than I can.
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eligal
Noobie


Registered: 05/25/05
Posts: 7,021
Loc: California
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Re: Social Anxiety Disorder...? [Re: wilshire]
#5530801 - 04/18/06 07:54 PM (17 years, 9 months ago) |
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Quote:
wilshire said: i got like that when i smoked weed heavily. despite what some people will tell you, any aspect of your lifestyle, drug-related or otherwise, can affect your personality and confidence, and for a number of people, heavy pot smoking can make them less confident and more inward.
i'm not saying it does that to everyone, but i do think there's a good chance it has something to do with your situation.
i would never take medication for something like this. something with your lifestyle and mindset is causing this. it's a problem to be faced, experienced, and resolved. psychiatric drugs should be avoided.
-------------------- \m/ Spanksta \m/ "do you have the freedom to do with your nervous system what you want?" "MolokoMilkPlus said: I'll respect you if you let me give you a blow job" "tactik said: respect the can."
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