Overcoming Communication Barriers: Mental Health Challenges

Impairment in daily communication with others?

Hello doctor, I experienced relational bullying during my childhood, and this may be the reason (or it could be innate) for the following issues: 1.
I feel uncomfortable with physical touch, such as handshakes or getting my hair cut, whether it's with family or strangers.
This discomfort manifests as my entire body becoming tense, and I have a habit of holding my breath.
2.
I also have difficulty communicating with others, whether in one-on-one situations or when giving presentations.
Whenever I feel nervous or relax after being tense, I tend to stutter, and the mental outline I had prepared gets disrupted.
Additionally, I tend to have pessimistic thoughts in advance, which makes me less proactive in social interactions.
Even when others show me kindness, I still anticipate negative outcomes for future interactions.
I would like to know if I might be suffering from any specific condition.

Zhang Tongxue, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2022/12/21

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry

It is highly likely that netizens may be experiencing social anxiety disorder, according to Dr.
Wu En-Liang.

Reply Date: 2022/12/21

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a combination of social anxiety and possibly some form of sensory processing sensitivity, which can significantly impact your ability to communicate and interact with others. Your discomfort with physical touch and communication challenges, especially in stressful situations, are common symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder (SAD) and can be exacerbated by past experiences such as bullying.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one may be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may withdraw from social interactions altogether, fearing negative evaluation. The physical symptoms you describe, such as feeling tense and holding your breath, are typical responses to anxiety. When faced with social situations, the body's fight-or-flight response can trigger these physical reactions, making it even harder to engage in conversation or express yourself.

Additionally, your mention of feeling uncomfortable with touch and having a heightened sensitivity to physical interactions could indicate a sensory processing issue. Some individuals are more sensitive to sensory input, which can make everyday interactions, such as handshakes or haircuts, feel overwhelming. This discomfort can further contribute to anxiety in social situations, as you may anticipate these interactions and the discomfort they bring.

The cognitive aspect of your experience, where you preemptively think negatively about social interactions, is also a common feature of anxiety disorders. This negative thought pattern can create a cycle of anxiety, where the fear of negative outcomes leads to avoidance, which in turn reinforces the belief that social situations are threatening. This cycle can be difficult to break without intervention.

To address these challenges, it is essential to seek professional help. A mental health professional, such as a psychologist or counselor, can provide you with a safe space to explore your feelings and experiences. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is particularly effective for social anxiety, as it helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and gradually expose themselves to feared social situations in a controlled manner.

In addition to therapy, you might consider practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness meditation, to help manage anxiety symptoms. These techniques can help you ground yourself in the present moment and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety when faced with social interactions.

It's also important to build a support network of understanding friends or family members who can provide encouragement and understanding as you work through these challenges. Engaging in social activities at your own pace, perhaps starting with smaller, less intimidating interactions, can help you gradually build confidence in your communication skills.

Lastly, remember that you are not alone in this experience. Many individuals face similar challenges, and with the right support and strategies, it is possible to overcome these barriers and improve your communication skills and overall mental health. Seeking help is a courageous step, and it can lead to significant improvements in your quality of life.

Similar Q&A

Overcoming Communication Barriers: A Guide for Mental Health Challenges

Since I started middle school, I have rarely talked to people. Sometimes, when I do speak to someone, I treat it as if I am sharing something important, as if the other person should remember it. Later, I realized that most people talk a lot throughout the day, from conversing wi...

Dr. Lin Mianzhang reply Psychiatry
Hello: I wonder who you usually communicate with in your life, such as family, friends, or colleagues? If you can communicate smoothly with others when you want to talk, then there may not be any issues. However, if you feel that you have difficulties in communication, such as no...

Overcoming Fear of Conversations: A Guide for Mental Health Challenges

Since childhood, I have struggled to refuse others; I would agree to any request within my ability. After being bullied in junior high, I began to fear hearing others speak once I entered high school. At school, I started having difficulty understanding what my classmates were sa...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Ms. Huang: When a person experiences anxiety and fear, they may sometimes encounter a phenomenon similar to a brain freeze, where they are unable to receive information or think clearly. It seems that your level of anxiety is quite high, and you are also exhibiting some sym...

Understanding Communication Challenges: Is It Related to Schizophrenia?

I often find myself talking to myself and engaging in closed thinking, which has led me to realize that I struggle to respond to others when they speak. I feel that I communicate better through written words, just like I am doing now by writing this email to the doctor. I usually...

Dr. Liao Dinglie reply Psychiatry
Hello, internet user: Have you noticed that your thinking efficiency is relatively poor, especially when it comes to processing information through listening? You may also find it challenging to communicate verbally with others. This is not necessarily a symptom of schizophrenia,...

Overcoming Silence: Seeking Help When Words Fail in Mental Health

I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling this way. It's important to talk to someone who can help you.

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, abc: In real life, there are indeed many people who are not very talkative, which is a personality issue and doesn't need to be overly concerned about. However, since it has led to subsequent troubles for you, it definitely needs to be addressed. Most importantly, you...