Hi,
I've had social phobia for 15 years now, it's massively impacted my life. (I also suspect I have avoidant personality disorder, but the NHS pdocs don't like to diagnose). I can't work, and avoid a lot of social situations as I feel I just can't cope. I can't shake the feeling that I am somehow a deficient person, and that the outside world just "isn't for me."
However I'm constantly trying to work on myself, and push myself to socialise more, but nothing seems to be getting any easier.
I've had 3 lots of CBT and group therapy through the NHS which I am very greatful for yet I still find myself struggling. My group therapy came to an end a few months ago and I asked if there were any more help available and they said no as I'm not "ill enough" to meet the criteria. I found that quite difficult to hear so I am now wondering where to go from here.
As I'm nearing 30 I've been thinking more about the future and as I am unable to work things just seem pretty bleak. I've had temporary jobs in the past but have never been able to cope for very long, it's something I find very upsetting as I feel like I have no purpose or financial independence.
I also worry that others will judge me for this, and think that I'm lazy or a "scrounger" - even though I'm not eligible to claim benefits.
I've been thinking a lot about starting a family one day but I don't even know if that would be fair on a child as I can't cope with so many things, and wouldn't want to pass on my problems.
Can anyone else relate? Has anyone encountered anything that helped them make any progress? Thanks for reading.
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Mental health
Social Anxiety not improving
3 replies
0emerald0 · 14/03/2016 16:31
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