Overcoming Social Anxiety: A Patient's Journey with Psychiatric Guidance

Thank you, Dr. Yeh, for your analysis?

Dr.
Yeh: I sincerely appreciate your analysis.
I feel that the small gestures I make while speaking negatively affect my interactions with others.
I really wish I could return to the time when I didn't have these speaking habits.
I'm afraid that the more I exhibit these gestures, the harder it becomes for me to change.
I don't know what to do; my job stability has been inconsistent, and I feel like I've let my mother down regarding her expectations for me after graduation.
I must correct this issue, but sometimes when I talk to unfamiliar people, I get nervous, which causes my salivary glands to become more active.
Therefore, I would like to hear your advice on medication.
Recently, my swallowing gestures have affected my work and social circles, leading to frequent job changes.
Friends, regardless of gender, seem to avoid talking to me, which makes me consider seeing a psychiatrist.
I live in the eastern part of the country, where all the psychiatrists are male.
I am unsure how to explain my situation to a male psychiatrist in person, as I feel somewhat anxious when speaking face-to-face.
There is only one female psychiatrist in the east, but she only sees adolescents and does not accept patients over that age.
Lastly, thank you very much for your help; I truly appreciate it.

Wang le yi qie, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/01/10

Dr. Ye Baozhuan reply Psychiatry

Hello! 1.
When you visit a psychiatrist, you should try to express your problems or shortcomings as much as possible, rather than hiding your discomfort or unease.
If you feel unnatural with a male doctor, remember that authenticity is what a good physician seeks.
So don’t be afraid; just naturally express your fears.
This will assist the doctor in their analysis, diagnosis, and even treatment.
2.
In the medical profession, expertise should transcend gender, so there’s no need to be fixated on finding a female doctor.
You might even encounter someone who can be a great help to you!

Reply Date: 2005/01/10

More Info

Overcoming social anxiety is indeed a challenging journey, and it’s commendable that you are seeking help and guidance. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) can significantly impact various aspects of life, including work and personal relationships. Your concerns about physical symptoms, such as excessive salivation and nervous habits during conversations, are common among individuals with social anxiety. These symptoms can create a cycle of anxiety that makes social interactions even more daunting.

First, it's important to understand that social anxiety often stems from a fear of negative evaluation by others. This fear can lead to physical manifestations, such as trembling, sweating, or in your case, increased salivation. These symptoms can further exacerbate your anxiety, creating a vicious cycle. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety. It focuses on identifying and challenging irrational thoughts and beliefs that contribute to anxiety.
In your situation, it might be beneficial to work with a therapist who specializes in CBT. They can help you identify automatic negative thoughts that arise in social situations and guide you in reframing these thoughts. For example, instead of thinking, "Everyone is judging me because of my nervous habits," you could reframe it to, "Most people are focused on their own experiences and may not even notice my nervous habits." This shift in perspective can reduce anxiety and help you feel more at ease in social situations.

Regarding medication, it’s essential to have an open dialogue with your psychiatrist about your symptoms and concerns. If you feel that your current medication isn’t adequately addressing your anxiety, discuss this with your doctor. They may consider adjusting your dosage or trying a different medication that could be more effective for your specific symptoms. It's also important to note that medication can take time to show its full effects, and finding the right one may require some trial and error.

If you are uncomfortable discussing your symptoms with a male psychiatrist, consider writing down your concerns beforehand. This can help you articulate your feelings more clearly during the appointment. You could say something like, "I have been experiencing significant anxiety in social situations, which manifests in physical symptoms like increased salivation and nervous habits. I would like to explore treatment options that can help me manage these symptoms better."
Additionally, practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or mindfulness, can help you manage anxiety in the moment. These techniques can be particularly useful before entering social situations that you find stressful.
Lastly, remember that overcoming social anxiety is a gradual process. Celebrate small victories, such as successfully engaging in a conversation or attending a social event, even if it feels challenging. Building confidence takes time, and each step you take is progress toward your goal of feeling more comfortable in social settings.

In conclusion, seeking help from a mental health professional is a crucial step in your journey to overcoming social anxiety. With the right combination of therapy, medication, and self-help strategies, you can work towards reducing your anxiety and improving your social interactions. Don't hesitate to reach out for support, and remember that you are not alone in this journey.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Social Withdrawal: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Connections

I have researched online and found that my situation resembles social withdrawal disorder. I am afraid to initiate conversations and interactions with others. I fear rejection and worry about being criticized behind my back. I believe that if I take the initiative to engage with ...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Qianqian: Your situation may indeed be related to social anxiety. It's important to be patient, as this condition has the potential to improve. You have your own goals and dreams, and you can truly appreciate and understand the hard work your mother has put in. However...

Overcoming Introversion: Navigating Social Anxiety and Building Confidence

Hello, doctor! Since childhood, I have been more introverted and lacking in self-confidence. In front of strangers, I become very quiet, to the point where my classmates think I might have autism. However, in front of my family, I am quite talkative. I have talked several times w...

Dr. Su Zongwei reply Psychiatry
It may be anxiety disorder or social anxiety disorder. You can seek nearby psychiatric outpatient services to analyze the reasons clearly.

Overcoming Social Anxiety: A Journey Through Depression and Fear

Hello, doctor. I apologize for sending such a long message to disturb you. During my school years, I was often bullied, which has led to severe social anxiety. I was diagnosed with depression in high school and experienced serious self-harm behaviors. However, I later decided to ...

Dr. Qiu Junda reply Psychiatry
Hello. It seems that emotional issues have been troubling you for many years and have affected your physical and mental health. Regardless of whether it has reached the level of a disorder, it is important to seek improvement to prevent worsening. Although you have already sought...

Overcoming Social Anxiety: A College Student's Journey to Connection

Hello Doctor, I am a college student with an introverted and shy personality. I find it difficult to engage in conversations and laugh with my classmates. When I see them having friendly discussions, I feel intimidated and fear being ridiculed. My relationships with others are no...

Dr. Chen Fengwei reply Psychiatry
Hello KK, I apologize for the delay in my response as I was unaware there was an issue. From your description, it seems that some of the problems stem from your "feelings," which may be overly sensitive and prone to negative emotions, thereby affecting your interpersona...