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Exposure to Social Situations


16 years ago 0 138 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I found that making a decision in advance to simply stay in the situations went a long way to overcoming whatever "problem" arose. Whether I was feeling out of place, having symptoms, had nothing to say, was feeling ignored, I would stick with my conviction to stay the course. Without the prior self agreement, I could easily duck out without saying a word. For me, leaving with an announcement was an improvement over prior behaviour. Congratulations on your success.
16 years ago 0 8760 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Kittcat, Glad I could be of help. Be sure to keep us posted on how you're doing with this trigger. Cheering you on! Danielle - Bilingual Health Educator
16 years ago 0 78 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Good point! I wasn't really practicing my thought challenging skills. I need to make better use of them!
16 years ago 0 8760 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
You got it Kittcat! This is a victory! You'll get better at this as your continue to practice. Did you get a chance to utilize your thought challenging skills? Danielle, Bilingual Support Specialist
16 years ago 0 2101 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
Hiya Kittcat! I agree with you that you are bwing ay to hard on yourself. First of all baby steps are always a good idea! If this was so unpleasant, maybe as you said you could try a step that is slightly less difficult (i.e. Less time, less corded, etc.)Also, just 'cause it was hard and you didnèt go to the second activity does not mean you shouldnèt be patting yourself on the back! Cause wow what a success! From where I stand it sounds like you did really well in a tough situation! So congratulations on your great success! Let us know how your exposure work progresses but wow, once again, cngratulations!!! -Diva
16 years ago 0 78 logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo logo 0
I have a fear of social situations with people and started exposure on it this week and am finding it difficult. Last night I went out with some friends for a couple of hours. Even though I was surrounded by people, I felt so alone! All I wanted to do was leave. They went to go do something afterwards and I declined. Then I went home and felt angry at myself and frustrated. I guess I need to look at this the same way as my exposure for work. I only go to work for a small amount of time each week. But I see it as a success! So I guess I'm setting my standards a little too high in this social situations exposure. Really, I should be planning for smaller amounts in less stressful situations (a quiet cafe vs noisy, hot pub!!). And even though it didn't feel good, I did stay in those situations-so I should be seeing these as victories, rather than beating myself up about them. I guess I just never realized how much hold my social anxiety had on me until now.

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