Ive been at college for a couple of weeks now, and haven't spoken to anyone new, have made no new friends, am lonely all the time as my old friends from school are rarely in at the same time as me and am really depressed about it. I really want to talk to people but I get so anxious in social situations that arn't either with close family or friends I've known for years. When Im speaking to my family for example I can talk fine for hours, like any other person. However when its with people I don't know I find myself unable to speak, or have to spend a few seconds stuttering and forcing out words. If I know a social situation is coming up I get so nervous and scared. If a teacher is going round the class asking people things I fear them reaching me so much, fear I wont be able to speak, as I usually can't. This stops me ever putting my hand up to answer questions as I know I will just embarrass myself by not speaking or stuttering really badly. I even stutter a bit with close friends. I hate fearing talking to anyone, being unable to talk and feeling like I'm going to have a panic attack. It makes me so lonely. I know I sound so pathetic, I practise talking when I'm alone and am perfectly fine, but as soon as I'm in these situations I become so self-concious and scared. Please help me, tell me what I could do. I hate living like this.
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Have you ever tried desensitization? It means gradually overcoming your fears in small steps. Maybe try something simple such as giving a compliment to someone or commenting on the weather. I would suggest talking with a speech counselor and practicing with him/her.
I heard a story about how a man overcame his stuttering and became a world-known preacher. So if there area any inspirational stories of people overcoming stuttering it could really encourage you! :) Just do a google search.
Also maybe try online classes. At least for college, most have online options available. Half the classes I took in college was in that format.
I had terrible social anxiety when I was in middle school. I would always tell myself in the morning that I would do something that I was afraid to do, like volunteer to dance in front of my gym class for dance sessions, and I would never do it because while I thought I could do it that same morning, when the situation arouse I could not come to my senses.
I used to be so afraid I would not get up and go to lunch because I was afraid I might drop my tray or something, and I would not eat at school for months. What the person said above me is right, desensitizing yourself is a process. Slowly overcome each of your inhibitions and eventually it does go away. Even if you do something silly, like say hello to someone you don't know and they act completely appalled by you, give yourself some credit. You finally did it, and chances are, something was wrong with them for not being friendly, and chances are the next time you do that, you will not be shot down. And chances are you would not be shot down anyway. You need to do what you know you should do. Make your body obey.
I still have these problems today, but it has never been as bad as it used to be. I can go and get my lunch now, but I still have the fear of something bad happening, and sometimes it does happen, and I try my best to just let it go regardless of the situation. Force yourself to think rationally, and eventually your mind becomes more rational. Not necessarily completely rational, but more rational.
I wish you the best of luck! (:
Hypnotherapy isn't used close as as a rule accurately. Get a book and reed up on it. $600 is a small price to pay to get your life back. I like hypnoses and used to be able to healing my spouse of a lifestyles long allergic reaction to cats. No extra purple whelps and swollen eyes. Its tricky so don't are attempting it before you recognize what you are doing. Do not fear concerning the $600 bucks. Do not stop after the first healing. It is going to take 2 or extra would expect for the same $600.