Social Anxiety?

by slagosto

My biggest issue is that I feel like some kind of alien on this planet at times. When I'm with a group of people they are laughing at jokes that I don't find are funny. They find joy in sports, parties, and group gatherings. I just don't find laughter and joy in those things. I feel better when I'm by myself or with one friend at a time doing things like taking a walk or sitting on the beach or watching animals do funny things. I don't understand why I don't like the things that most people find enjoyable. It's also hard to make friends because I don't find many people that like to do the same things I like to do or have the same conversations that I like to have. Is this Anedonia (spelling?) or social anxiety? How do you overcome this or is this something that needs to be overcome? Is this just normal?

ANSWER:

Thanks for sharing. I'm not a doctor as you know so take my response lightly. It sounds to me indeed like social anxiety which is closely related to depression. Good mental health requires a proper balance of minerals, vitamins and amino acids. When we don't have these things, we see life so differently.

You're welcome to go through our e-course to supply you with info you can take to your doctor. *Ask for a blood test or a referral to a dietitian to evaluate your nutritional intake. Start there.

Keep walking through our depression research e-course.

There is hope! You are worth it!

Blessings,

Merri Ellen

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Apr 11, 2009
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starstarstarstarstar 		More info on Introversion vs. Extroversion
by: Allison Mupas, MFT

How Introverts Communicate
10 Tips on Talking to People with Introverted Personality Traits
© Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen

Nov 29, 2007
An introvert's communication style is different than an extrovert's. Here are suggestions on communicating with people who have introverted personality traits.

Introverted personality traits and types are different than extroverted personality types in three major ways, according to Dr Marti Olsen Laney in The Introvert Advantage. Introverts are energized by their inner worlds while extroverts are energized by outer worlds. That is, introverts get their energy from themselves – their ideas, emotions and impressions. Extroverts get their energy from people, activities, and things outside of themselves.

Introverted personality types don’t thrive on a variety of stimuli, while extroverts do. Introverts tend to gain experience with a narrow, in-depth focus. Extroverted personality types tend to get experience and knowledge through a wide variety of people, places and things.

Introverts may like people very much, but find it draining to be around anyone too long. People with introverted personality traits feel overwhelmed more quickly than extroverts do - especially in group settings.



Read more: How Introverts Communicate: 10 Tips on Talking to People with Introverted Personality Traits - http://behavioural-psychology.suite101.com/article.cfm/how_introverts_communicate#ixzz0CQbtrhRB
Apr 11, 2009
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starstarstarstar 		Is this normal.
by: Allison Mupas, MFT

It is very possible you are just an introvert and you don't like to do the same things as others! You sound like you prefer quiet, one on one interactions! There is nothing wrong with that. Is this problem interfering with your functioning? Do you miss work, school or socializing due to a fear of people? Feel free to e-mail me through my website if you want to talk about this further. http://www.changeseeker.org.

I also agree with Merri Ellen, getting an evaluation by a doctor and some bloodwork is always a great place to start!

Take care,
Allison Mupas, Marriage and Family Therapist

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