Hi all,
I started to self-diagnose myself with social anxiety disorder when I was 18.
I did all the CBT I was offered, took some ADs and joined support groups. Nothing really helped, and I abandoned geting treatment for a few years as I wanted to get pregnant and was concerned about possible SS involvement if I had a recent MH diagnosis. You hear stories of children being removed etc....
Anyway, now have 2yo dd (all wonderful with her) and have referred myself to GP again for social anxiety. Was offered sertraline and a few sessions of telephone CBT - the practioner was nice but the CBT didn't really achieve anything. The sertraline has helped my brain feel more 'organised' but social stuff is still a nightmare.
I've been wondering if I may actually have ASD rather than social anxiety, hence my previous treatments not being successful.
Here are some examples:
Having difficulty reading social cues - not being able to join in with conversations at appropriate time, difficulty with eye contact.
taking things too literally at work
Preferring written instructions
Avoiding people ole in authority, to the extent of making excuses to get out of arranged meetings.
Not being able to attend groups if running late due to fear of everyone watching.
Growing up - constant anxiety, cried most days of primary school. Dad had undiagnosed anxiety and I suspect mild depression. He was often quite cold, especially when I was anxious/crying, though when relaxed, he was lovely. Mum tried to overcompensate with love and possessions.
I have safety behaviours such as folding arms, gritting teeth.
Very sensitive to temperature and hunger cues, to the extent other people comment.
Extreme introvert on mbti scale. Few friends, connect better with older people, can't cope with a lot of interaction. I easily burn bridges.
I have swung between being very religious and quite atheistic a couple of times.
Can anyone relate, please? Any thoughts appreciated.