What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

I'm Kati Morton, a licensed therapist making Mental Health videos!
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[@SwimmingJebus]

"...with your 4 closest friends?" Haha, I have No friends, i have social anxiety!

[@YourFriendRae]

I was thinking the exact same thing when she said that lmao WHAT FRIENDS

[@Vanagandr99]

Same, I have no real friends Q_Q

[@mocuishle6116]

lmao so true!

[@countessalucard3500]

Same, omg. Friends? What friends?

[@macmedic892]

A party? I wasn't invited. My 4 closest friends? There's me, myself, and I…… and… Oh look, the video on avoidant personality disorder!

[@NobodyAsked75]

Me: calls suicide hotline Also me: hangs up because of social anxiety

[@djtj5527]

How are you doing now?

[@marli1904]

i don't want to laugh but sadly i did

[@kateledwith6776]

Okay this one got me😂😂

[@brianterry3580]

I feel this

[@TupacDatBtch]

LMFAOOOOOO! I have social anxiety myself , but NO PEOPLE... SUICIDE is NOT THE ANDWER

[@talytasbarcelos]

i fear mistreating people, or seaming arrogant. i spend days remembering these fails and it feels like a punch in the face

[@prisonbreak4448]

I have a social anxiety and I'm in slow death 😟.........Where are you from? I want to change my life ...I want to live in another country I am from Morocco in north Africa i wanna leave my city to start a new life in love and peace this is my dream .... I am 22 years old but the problem is that I don't have the money to travel ...My father is dead and my family poor ....is a very difficult life and I wanna change my life for the better but I don't know what I will do..........😑😓

[@louera]

I fear the same.

[@kayfree401]

same

[@Spazlites]

I fear everyone....like legit everyone ...even my own family. It's driving me crazy

[@ushamgr4588]

I think i have mistreated many people , with jst my expression n face...people dont like me anymore

[@saveUyghurs]

I'm so scared of judgment because I find myself to be really judgemental of other people!

[@SnakeWasRight]

Me too, but I'm mostly judgmental of myself. I kind of see everything through their shoes, because no one cares about my opinion but me.

[@tristalove7654]

me too

[@violethaye6987]

I noticed people with social anxiety tend to be judgmental themselves. Meaning they probably have a lot of self judgment to release if they want to get over feeling exposed to others/vulnerable.

[@rogerab1792]

bambino, then you fucking deserve it

[@woah3108]

@@rogerab1792 ...

[@ava5260]

I always hear that you aren't supposed to diagnose yourself, but how am I supposed to get a diagnosis when telling anybody about it/scheduling an appointment makes me anxious?

[@kimberleys2429]

Ava I know you posted this a year ago but is SO relate. Calling a therapist’s office makes me want to vomit. If I could find a therapist online and also schedule the appointment online it would be so much easier and I might actually follow through. :(

[@doglover2002]

Yes! Exactly! Good question...

[@pepperonicici]

There's online therapy and you could try mailing them first o:

[@getridofpanic]

I used to suffer from social anxiety for over 20 years. Now after using a specific method I can leave the house and start conversations with random strangers. Learn this method here: MootSpeak.xyz

[@Tommy_2_Smooth]

My anxiety is so bad I made myself believe that I was autistic

[@SeeNoSpeakNoHearNo1]

Lately, I just think in my mind: "people ARE going to talk about you, they do it to everyone" somehow that helps me a little. It helps me not be as sensitive, and have a little bit of a thicker skin.

[@SnakeWasRight]

Yeah, this line of thought kind of motivated me to not be so anti-social because then people will be talking about me being quiet and weird instead of rambly kind of weird. But this is ultimately still motivated by anxiety, the anxiety of seeming anxious. Perhaps you can't get rid of it, but you can manipulate and direct the anxiety to do what you want it to.

[@johnclhugyugihjbvgbkj9729]

JenniferSpeaks yes and if they do, oh welll not much to do about it and if we do/don’t know for sure can be equally comforting and discomforting.

[@Maliscka]

I've been in CBT for social anxiety for three months now. The beginning was super hard. No kidding. But I was so tired of being anxious, and that I couldn't do certain things like other people seemed to have ease doing. So I pushed myself to do it, despite all the anxiety I felt. So for anyone dealing with social anxiety. Therapy is worth it. The anxiety you will go through during it, is worth it. Don't give up, no matter how hard it gets.

[@madisongrace4851]

Malin Pettersson thank you for this message

[@greggately5782]

I’m glad it worked for you. Unfortunately, this type of therapy doesn’t work for everyone. But I do believe the first step is finding the right, compassionate Doctor who REALLY understands what you’re going through. It changed my life.

[@MiamiZombie2012]

I felt an anxiety attack coming on when I asked this girl out in front of a bunch of people. I knew she was gonna say no which she did, but I felt great afterwards. Slowly desensitizing my social anxiety over the past year and it's getting better. Slowly but surely.

[@SnakeWasRight]

See, I end up right where I started when I do things like that. It turned out exactly how I thought it would, so why bother in the first place? Also, there are times when I threw my anxiety to the wind as a way to desensitize, only to realize later I was just being rude.

[@chloeh59]

MiamiZombie2012 Go you!!!!!

[@laurenpaterson3475]

MiamiZombie2012 well done so pleased u took risk to do it that great I had an ex who asked loads girls out most said no but he didn’t care some did say yes he was prepared to be rejected to achieve a yes

[@Myke_thehuman]

I don't have social anxiety. I just get nervous asking someone out. Never had it turn out good when I do. Every time, even though it's just a simple question. No creepy bs or anything. Just, do you want to go out? Every time, I'm reminded how bad an idea asking the girl out was. Starts rumors or ruins a friendship. I get it I'm the past guy anyone would want to go out with. Cool, I'll just keep to myself. I'm fine with everything else. But dating is definitely something I'm never getting involved with. Not until some girl asks me out. Cause I'm done putting myself "out there," when all that's going to happen is I'm going to get shot down. And yeah, I know that very very very few girls would every ask a guy out. That's my point. I'm out. Not mad at anyone over it, can't make people be attracted to you and I know that. But I will end up with zero self esteem at all. If I keep getting rejected. So for my own sanity I just can't put myself in a vulnerable position like that anymore.

[@ac0rps32]

thats good but how is that taking it slow

[@1aubster1]

I struggle with social anxiety. It's usually the worst when I am at school, I attend a community college, I used to see a therapist and she had me do some breathing excersizes the one that helps the most when I can feel myself getting anxious is breathe in for 4 seconds hold my breath for 4 seconds and then breath out for 4 seconds. I do it sometimes for 10-15 minutes and no one really knows i'm doing it. it works wonders.

[@fuvkmefrankuplz1975]

I have social anxiety. at school or other places. even with my family. I can't read at school aloud bc I feel like people are going to laugh at my voice. I don't even talk to people. I want to make friends bc I'm such a loner ;-; but I feel like people are going to reject me. ;-;

[@YumiSakuraYukita]

A year later, I hope things have changed and that you've made friends now :D

[@chrisk9468]

The first day of school I literally went to each teacher before the other students got there and explained to them if they ever made us read aloud could they skip me and they was ok with that and if I we ever had to presentations I would go to school early and just do it in front of the teacher still having anxiety but a lot easier with one person. Any other time I had to a presentation my heart felt like it would explode and my face felt like it was on fire.

[@xocheenahox]

@@chrisk9468 hope you are doing better chris! im with you

[@caed1642]

Chris K I was the same 3years ago in the 5th grade, just laugh more, talk to people for no reason, smile and you will be much happier and the anxiety will be gone :)

[@rutiletwins7237]

@@chrisk9468 oh yes the presentations😳 Like my face becomes red, i get sweaty hands, i can't talk normally, I start shaking.

[@SnakeWasRight]

When I was younger, the only thing that would give me more anxiety than socializing, was seeming anxious. So I learned how to suppress any sign of emotion. In front of other people, I feel nothing. Alone, I can feel pretty intensely. And this switches on and off like a light if someone walks in or out of the room.

[@DracoMalfoy-ys2mo]

Everytime i think about getting a job and starting a life my heart starts to hurt and i think about suicide. Im 20 years old and i dont think ill ever have a life cause of social anxiety

[@moisescastro1726]

Do you believe in god

[@abolfazl.sheikhhasani1156]

Me tooo

[@blair7721]

Bruh ur Draco. Ur good 2 go.

[@sophiascharfe5027]

That’s exactly how I feel but I’m almost 22 💔

[@fakechloe207]

@@sophiascharfe5027 it's so heartbreaking to be so young and suck like this. I'm twenty and I just got out of the hospital ( I had attempted suicide a week ago). I can't go to therapy because it's expensive af, and I need the money for college. This life sucks man, I never forced my parents to clap cheeks 😔😥😭.

[@emilyravioli]

Message for people with social anxiety too anxious to seek out help: It was VERY hard for me to get help about my social anxiety. I was so hesitant that I was driven into a year of depression and suicidal thoughts. This is what caused my mom to take me to the doctor and get me diagnosed. Believe me when I tell you that the brief anxiety you feel about talking to your parents is way better than living with untreated anxiety and having it slowly take over you.

[@SnakeWasRight]

For me, it caused the opposite problem. I no longer have direct anxiety about social interactions, now I avoid them even more though, because I'm just plain bored with them. It's like before at least it was a worthy challenge, but now that I got where I want to be I'm like.... why bother?

[@LindseyMaria]

How can you make yourself see a therapist when your social anxiety or fear is so strong that as soon as you think about a social interaction you hyperventilate? Also have no friends.

[@SnakeWasRight]

Well for me, the therapist is basically my employee. It's not a social situation, it's an investigative one. They are literally there to judge you, but they also don't care. It's in a complete vacuum.

[@prisonbreak4448]

I have a social anxiety and I'm in slow death 😟.........Where are you from? I want to change my life ...I want to live in another country I am from Morocco in north Africa i wanna leave my city to start a new life in love and peace this is my dream .... I am 22 years old but the problem is that I don't have the money to travel ...My father is dead and my family poor ....is a very difficult life and I wanna change my life for the better but I don't know what I will do..........😑😓

[@Nowhere9]

You can do it, it's not impossible, at least you are not a woman living in Saudi Arabia like me… don't lose hope @@prisonbreak4448

[@jacktamu7655]

Really have friends Because of my fears of letting them down i cant be competive to stand up for myself stand of for them Thats the way they got hurt n there i cant help them n they gonna hate me n torture me cuz in bad times what the point if i cant help them So i hate social interaction

[@aminerkin9844]

Progressive desensitization my friend, also your best friend too. I'm sure some people will hang with you.

[@shawnl9246]

I think our disorders and phobias come from our upbringing. I was raised by a covert narcissist and my step father was verbally abusive as well. If you come from a loving, supportive home your less likely to have mental problems. Dysfunction it's self is vary common, I see it every where I go.

[@supercat7284]

false some shy people are more open at home than outside. its not only the home that matters, parents have little control over in schools and other places that child goes to.

[@YourFriendRae]

I have a narcissistic mother and verbally abusive father with self esteem issues too so agree with ya

[@skylarclark9025]

+Fat Cat But our primary agents of socialization (that being parents and siblings, or whomever you live with) are the most important people in critical development (that being childhood). I'd think most people would already be on their way to mental health problems if their parents weren't good.

[@supercat7284]

Mackenzie Clark its who impact the most. whether bully is a father,mother, sibling or a classmate

[@Vanagandr99]

Yes, primary socialization is what messes up the most. My father is also a narcissist and emotional abusive, my brother was sexually abusive towards me from the age of 8 til 14 and nobody believes me. I am just an emotional mess.

[@missdipika4203]

Most of the time I feel like I made a fool of myself everytime whenever I'm in any social situation! And unfortunately it was yesterday in school. 😓😓

[@santiagorael]

I freaking hate people telling it's on my mind, because I start to believe it, and then people humiliates me publicly.

[@SnakeWasRight]

I actually would rather be confronted directly because then I can defend myself, rather than just do whatever, oblivious to how people perceive it.

[@whynot7802]

thats sooo not true its crazy how ppl dont get it ! even when they say they do trhey dont..the future is unknown u dont not what is goung to happen what will ppl think about u they key word of anxiety is what" ....ppl just dont understand it the more i started talking about it the ,ore i realized its really true that ppl dont get it ...

[@sally9805]

Yes. Me too

[@sophiascharfe5027]

Me too, whenever I make the choice to go out in public and am struggling I’m intentionally embarrassed by the people I’m around. ☹️

[@lethukk2837]

Whenever I think people may be judging me I always tell myself that maybe they also thinking the same thing 🤷‍♀️

[@TheGiirlOnFiree]

FINALLY SOMEONE WHO TALKS ABOUT THIS..

[@K4kaylee]

I’ve been struggling with social anxiety for basically half of my life i found out that i had this anxiety phobia when i was 13-14 i didn’t realize that i have had this phobia since 2nd grade ... I’m 18 now . I’ve just turned 18 in november of 2019 and i’m still struggling with it. My mom and my other family members think i’m either crazy or i need to get over it or others will say i need to face my fears when in reality it gets worse. I unfortunately have no friends . Only 2 who i talk and text to online and have met one of them in washington. It has causes me to be bitter and almost depressed and sleepless... i wish i could get help or even get a job like all the normal human beings do . Yet again i’m too scared to get a job or talk to people in reality . it’s especially hard when no one in your family has struggled with this EVER. So they do it understand or support me on this . I’m basically on my own . i hope perhaps someone on here can give me good advice . I was hoping someone on here who has been though this can help me in any little way of could . Thank you for reading all of this ❤️

[@chrisk9468]

Toyko Rose It’s so hard trying to find a job you feel like you’ll be comfortable with without knowing what part of the job is going to make you feel uncomfortable and start anxiety, if that makes any sense.

[@Samirahsworld1]

I’m going though then exact same thing 😭 I’m going to try therapy though to help overcome it

[@taylorbarnett1199]

My biggest thing is family members. With strangers, I’m honestly fine. It’s more about family members or friends of friends, people that are close but not that close. I feel like everyone hates me.

[@lethukk2837]

Exactly!! I'm scared of being judged by the people I know, or maybe being seen at the mall by someone you know.

[@lethukk2837]

I fear of being embarrassed or humiliated infront of people who know me, I don't really care about strangers because they don't know me

[@breadlebees]

I used to have social phobia pretty bad. It got to the point where I was so afraid to even leave my own room, but as I thought about it I realized that it is all in your head. We build up going out into this huge ordeal and when we are finally ready to go out our anxiety tells us that we are going to get made fun of or that we aren't good enough to go out. Blah blah blah... It's all bullshit. In my experience the more I challenged myself to go out into what I used to think were awkward social situations the more I became comfortable in my own skin and slowly I stopped thinking that everyone around me was judging me. But in the end, it's your choice you can stay miserable and alone or you can change the way you think about going out in public. Either way the choice is yours whether or not you want to stop being a hermit. Chances are that you have an amazing personality and people will love you for who you are. Don't be afraid to change. Change is a part of life, and this is one change you won't regret making. I promise.

[@maggers143]

Im proud of you for pushing your boundaries. Don't listen to your anxiety voice! Go out and have fun!!

[@emiryjx]

completely agree!!! the more i forced myself to go out the better i became it's kind of ironic that to overcome social anxiety you have to be social lol :(

[@SnakeWasRight]

It's a change I mostly regret, overall, it's made me far less social. I don't have as much anxiety about the social situation per se, I have anxiety about how long I have to keep pretending to be interested. I found that after I got over my fear of talking to people, I really hate it. I will do anything to make a conversation or social interaction as short and impersonal as possible, and I will avoid them at all costs, not because they make me nervous, but because they bore me to utter tears... mostly.

[@AcidRainbowSkies]

Snake Was Right I have had a similar experience; the more social I became the more beholden I felt to be that person who says hi and chats with people and I really didn't enjoy doing it at all.

[@laurenpaterson3475]

breadlebees so true I spoke friend who said she has this when off work sick feels very hard to go back to work when better as got used to being indoors

[@FATE999-g8d]

i have this social anxiety disorder i want to go where no one know me . where no one can critisize me.

[@FATE999-g8d]

i even hate my parents

[@FATE999-g8d]

+SHIFT when my hometown people critisize me its keeps repeating in my head. i just want to go to people where no one know me

[@lethukk2837]

Samee, i fear going to the mall where I know I may come across people that know me because they might judge me

[@humayranahin394]

I've had it all my life it's so frustrating and hard ugh.!💔

[@Eddie99x]

I'm 17 and literally havnt been out with my friends in like 6 months. It used to be that I just felt uncomfortable at parties but it slowly got worse to the point where I was all excited to go then 2 mins before leaving I was so scared I made some bullshit excuse up to my friends. It's not a good feeling cause you become withdrawn from your friends and feel left out making the anciety worse as it makes you think that they don't like you anymore. I still havn't gone to a therapist yet because I'm too scared to tell anyone incase of judgement or non-understanding, it's as if the anxiety has its own self defence mechanism making me unable to treat it.

[@fatimaahmad5107]

I totally get what you mean!!!.....it would be great if you could try talking to a therapist, I understand that the anxiety makes you feel like the therapist will judge you, but I promise that won't happen!! He/she understands the feeling and will really reallyyyy help.......it's very hard but that first step will get you really close to being able to make progress and gradually overcoming the anxiety. Please get help, I know you can do this

[@madisongrace4851]

Hey friend, I just want to say that you’re not alone. Trust me I know alll about being withdrawn and making up bs excuses. Last night I just turned down going to the movies with like 7 people in a group which would’ve been so fun because “I didn’t want to sit during the previews and possibly end up next to some people who were talking and then feel pressure and have the person next to me who I’m not talking to look at me and think I’m weird and quiet”. Even typing it out sounds so crazy cuz...it is! It’s totally irrational and I’m above it but it completely seems terrifying and very real in the moment. I want you to know I love you and you really do have all the potential inside to overcome this! Trust me, I never ever thought I would get better I seriously was sad because I thought I would spend the rest of my life alone but I’ve been trying to challenge myself recently and once you get to the other side you can see how you were a whole person all along, not some weird deformed hunching muggle in the corner your brain tries to make you feel like. Take it in baby steps! As small as you want! You deserve the help you need though, therapists are there to love and affirm you. They will not judge you and even if they did, so what! You’re there to get rid of a pattern that doesn’t serve you in your life! There is 100% no shame in that, you want to make your life the best for you, that’s beautiful self love right there and that’s all you have to focus on. “This is for me” focus on how good it’s going to feel when you get all you deserve. I wish you the best!!!!

[@socialvladi2677]

I've tried CBT and I don't think its the best way to overcome social anxiety. Correcting your "thinking patterns" takes a lot of time and effort, you have to remind yourself to change your thoughts everyday as well as putting yourself in anxiety provoking situations. One shortcut technique that I found helpful is to "embrace the feelings of anxiety" when you experience them and also expose yourself to social situations, I was able to see results immediately and it can also be combined with positive thoughts reinforcement eventually as you see that nothing bad results from experiencing anxious feelings. Anyway the two techniques combined is the best way to go in my opinion, thank you for your video. I made a video about embracing feelings of anxiety in my channel.

[@SnakeWasRight]

Well I think embracing the anxiety is the same thing as putting yourself in anxiety provoking situations. It's denying the anxiety power to control your decisions, even if it's still there. But you're right about it being a shortcut, I think it's a good shorthand for some CBT, because all you have to do is just feel it and accept it as reality. Then, you can start to separate your decisions from the anxiety, and recognize when it's trying to control you. In my case, I changed my thinking fairly dramatically in a short amount of time, but ironically, it has probably made me less social, because now that I'm more comfortable and competent at socializing, I desire it far less, in fact while I used to crave social interaction, now I actively avoid most conversations due to sheer boredom. I still have struggles bringing up topics to talk about (that aren't like oddly specific) so I probably have more work cut out for me. I might be bored because I only ever respond to things other people bring up, but then again, I might not bring things up because I'm bored with the socially acceptable topics (politics and religion and controversy being pretty much the only things I can talk about passionately, while most people avoid talking about such things.)

[@perfumaphilia3246]

I don't have any close friends because of this disorder.

[@xocheenahox]

try your best to put yourself out there! ill be your friend =)

[@SheckleRFan715]

Lets be friends;)

[@EtherwroughtPaige]

I don't know if this will be helpful to anyone else but before I was on anxiety meds a lotof my social anxiety would follow a path like "that other person is doing X a bit oddly... wait or am I doing X a bit oddly" so something that really helped me Is to try to stop myself from making judgments about other peoples behaviors because I would find them reflecting back and then i'd start judging myself and then becoming really anxious. It's been hard for me to stop evaluating the small things in my environment (i think maybe this is part of me making sure everything around me is safe) but I'm finding as I reduce that I'm also reducing my worry about my own behaviours

[@paintthestringsjade]

When I was in CBT for depression, my therapist diagnosed me with Social Anxiety Disorder because I was having really severe panic attacks at school and in other social situations. I had to see a nurse, as well as my therapist, and she taught me how to breathe through a panic attack and we did exercises where we would listen to an audio CD of someone telling the listener to imagine they're relaxing on a beach, etc. and we would tense and relax our muscles whilst listening to the CD. She did all of it with me as well, which really made me feel less alone. Eventually, she began to take me outside and I was always allowed to go back to my house if I felt it was too much. I got much better and I don't see her any longer. I owe her my ability to go to college, to socialise and make new friends.

[@jbl2270]

I wished that people who are not qualified to talk about social phobia and the like would shut up and not make videos so that we wouldn't have to filter through their rambling and uneducated information. Thank you for your videos and channel Kati. You are the real deal

[@ValerieMarieM]

I know this video was uploaded awhile ago, but I wanted to share what's been helping me. First, I have social anxiety. When I'm alone I feel fine but I don't feel comfortable when I'm interacting with another individual in person, even my own mother. I havent been properly diagnosed because A. Psychiatrists in network are hard to come by and B. when I am speaking to a therapist, I get so nervous I can't get my thoughts together and properly express how I feel. Over the years, in other words, I've had to learn to help myself. Yesterday I developed a formula for dealing with ruminating thoughts that I struggle with after interacting face-to-face with another person. It is a five step process: 1. Listen. Listen to the thoughts and indentify the fear 2. Accept. Accept the thoughts and fear 3. Direct. Direct the thoughts by thinking through the situation rationally or by asking what would happen if the fear came true (you would live) 4. Manage. Manage the anxiety by repeating steps 1-3 daily. 5. Be. Be with yourself and practice mindfulness (and/or meditation). I simultaneously do all steps (they dont have to be in order). I also use the grounding technique of choosing a color and noticing all the things in the room I can find are that color. I came up with that technique without advice as it helps with my dissociation. Thanks for the video! I'm going to practice visualization meditation by picturing myself in front of individuals to better work on my anxiety!

[@aduhleenah]

The bloopers at the end were just perfect, left me with a smile :) Need more of those!

[@نزارالسالمي-ح3خ]

Stay strong guys, never give up, you are strong

[@danieldecabo]

I'd were one with that problem in the past.. I'd found help full to elude the situation putting yourself in other places, nicer in your mind. Like you get out of that place so you normalize yourselves and the come back ageing. It works in your mind and physically is help full too, (I have to go to restroom what ever) them take your time and never ever turn back till you are okay with that, it like baby first steps so you can be kind with yourself. Another is play with your imagination mixed with your own experiences so you can rewrite them making them end to have a happy ending. If Katy is agreed, I think it is a good advice. THANK you Kati Morton, you are the best. ^_^

[@madisongrace4851]

Daniel De Cabo wow awesome idea with rewriting cause it’s often the images in my mind of people judging me or it going horribly or painting a picture like I suck is what makes me feel shitty. Awesome idea man! Great job

[@foyiuh10]

I was just diagnosed with 'social phobias' and I'd never heard of it before, but this was really helpful :)

[@bethanykershaw4833]

added english subtitles to this and shared it on facebook! thank you for everything kati and i hope this helps! :) xxx

[@0Flow0]

I remember when I went to a party when I was 17 and was sitting there and observing like I always do, and people just came up to me like "why don't you talk to people, you're so weird, you look good but you're so "anti-social" (which is the wrong word for introvert)". I've heard stuff like that many time, just really mean and unnecessary comments. I like to be alone because I don't need bullshit like that. I don't know about social anxiety but accepting that you're an introvert really changes your life. I'm glad I'm not actually mentally ill but yea it hasn't been easy.

[@maggers143]

Kati I would just like you to know that you've really inspired me to go and get help. Im trying to build up enough courage to talk to my mom about it. She already knows that I need some sort of help because the school called her earlier this year but she wanted to me to pick out my own therapist and stuff. I think it will be really good for me because obviously it will help me get over a lot of my problems but I want to do social work when Im older. You've always said that you need to help yourself first before you can help other people and thats what im going to try to do. Im always putting other people first but its gotten out of control. I would love to meet you one day and personally thank you because you've made such an impact in my life. Even though that sounds sorta silly. You're amazing, keep doing what you are doing because you're changing peoples lives one video at a time.

[@maggers143]

Yay!! (: You should defiantly try to come to Chicago :P

[@JeffreyPappas786]

"There also appears to be a cultural factor affecting the happiness level of extroverts and introverts. Many Western cultures tend to favor extroverted personalities, people who act quickly, appear friendly and are outgoing. Introverts often feel pressure to be extroverts, which can lead to anxiety or lowered self-esteem. A majority of Eastern cultures tend to encourage people who are more contemplative, quiet and appear serene. Introverts in these cultures don’t feel the stigma to be extroverted and so are more accepting of their inherent personality. Research supports the keys to happiness lie in having a sense of purpose, self acceptance and a supportive social network, which both personality types can form."

[@perfumaphilia3246]

Jeffrey Pappas Kapnismologist and Polyhistor Great comment, thank you! I've always been an introvert, but being around extroverts or participating in certain kinds of activities can draw me out and make me more extroverted. But my default is definitely introvert. Your comment made me think about how I've always been drawn to extroverts and their personalities because I see that as being "healthy". Thanks also make me more extroverted and feel more "normal". Introverts make me incredibly uncomfortable because the conversation is awkward and tense. I wonder how many people have encountered me, an introvert and felt the same discomfort around me. I shouldn't be so judgmental!

[@madisongrace4851]

This is so interesting because I feel it explains me perfectly, like I am confident in who I am and love myself as a person I think I’m Totally capable and have great ideas n I feel talented, and it’s all wonderful to feel about oneself but it’s my ABILITY to create bonds w people and interact that I fear because people have made me feel repeatedly weird about being myself when at school growing up “why are you so quiet” “what’s wrong w you” I literally had someone ask, in the middle of a birthday party “sorry but were you like dropped on your head as a kid? Is there something wrong w you?” It made me feel like an outcast or weird or not a part of the group and that lowered my confidence and then I just let it fester and turn into a bigger thing and then it became this huge core part of my life and now I’m Taking measures to reverse it.

[@janessaganuelas4323]

@@madisongrace4851 I went through the same thing in school. I always got asked "Why are you so quiet?" "Why don't you ever talk?" "How come you never say anything?" I would say it was really more of a excuse than a reason "Because I don't talk to people I don't like." Which was partly true but more than anything I was too scared to talk. It seems my anxiety has gotten worse as I get older. I used to talk really fast, I talk at a normal pace now but sometimes I can talk really low. I'm trying to work on it. I'm my own worst critique and judge, so I get really nervous around other people. I can't start a conversation or keep one going. But I'll try to chime in every once in awhile even though it's hard for me to do. I hope I can overcome my social anxiety and shyness one day or least know how to keep it under control.

[@xolmxopll7057]

I have social phobia and I didn't know it since I got diagnosed about 2 years ago. It helped me to know that I can get better to cope with it by learning. Sometimes I throw myself into fearful situations and it helps so much. I never wanted to make a presentation at school because the fear was unbelievable. Nowadays I want to be the first. Yes I have always fear of it but you learn how to handle it and how to overcome this bad thoughts that tell you that everyone is judging you. It will get better I promise you 😘

[@strongyang]

Some irrational fears can't just think our way out. It's irrational for a reason. And I know I have it but just can't stop the fear. It's really tough. Coming from a soon-to-be Ph.D philosophy student whose job is to think rationally and critically in existential, neuro-behavioral, etc topics

[@strongyang]

***** One of the reasons for the state I'm in is because I was doing some experiments with my brain with hypothetical social scenarios. It ended up backfired, and I am currently trying to undo the damages lol

[@SnakeWasRight]

Yeah, but this is where I figured out that I can use the fear against itself. You train yourself to redirect the fear onto the consequences of your anxiety. For example, I had what I'd describe on the inside as crippling social anxiety. Very intensely felt and supremely confusing. However, there was one thing I was more afraid of: seeming anxious. So, no matter how I felt, I could fake the opposite, or at least neutral. Fake it til you make it is not bad advice. But basically, you fear the consequences of your fears, and you can use fear to defeat itself.

[@madisongrace4851]

strongyang wow can you tell me about the backfire thing? I tried the same thing, tried to go in and tinker on my own brain and then made some changes I’m not sure I’m happy with. I’m trying to identify the old patterns and possibly start implementing those again but I’m also evaluating if the changes have any positive effect and weight it out before I tinker more

[@madisongrace4851]

Snake Was Right could you explain this a bit more? Very intriguing!!!

[@brentongandy658]

Sometimes I have a fear that everyone in the world is looking at me. It's very uncomfortable. What is that called?

[@jannaxo]

I think I have it-.. Everything she said is true and Im already going on a therapy

[@mixedrace9176]

I've actually always been shy as a kid,one thing that really triggered my 'social anxiety' I think is when I was about 8/9 and I went up to read something in Arabic to my class, bare in mind that I couldn't really read arabic at all and it was all memorized .. Anyways I forgot what I was meant to say and I just stood blankly staring at the paper .. My teacher said to me 'You can't read arabic?' And 'your dad is Arab and you can't read Arabic ?' And basically humiliating me.. The only good part of what happened was that no one in my class laughed, not the boys or the girls.. But I ended up bursting to tears near everyone which was quite humiliating ... I'm now 15 and have been homeschooled since,but I'm super anxious about speaking near people,older people actually .. So yeah idk why I just said that ? Lol

[@milattosweetnezz]

that was EXTREMELY inappropriate for your TEACHER to make a PERSONAL COMMENTARY ON YOUR FATHER (no matter what ethnicity he is/YOU are) I have a TERRIBLE temper along with Social Anxiety/Generalized Anxiety Disorders AND THAT TEACHER would've had her SHIT spoon fed 2 her for making an IGNORANT remark like THAT. the point was that you simply couldn't read Arabic.. period. ANYTHING ELSE? was unnecessary. thankfully ppl were mature enough, I hope, as you stated 2 NOT laugh. it's not even FUNNY....Smh. GOOD 4 YOU ;)

[@hellome8937]

mixed Race does homeschooling worsen your social anxiety or does have nothing to do with it?

[@Llight-qg9tc]

💗thank you, Kati for your loving acts in giving your time to others.💗💞

[@halalgirl9621]

So a boy in my class is like always quiet in class when I look it him I can tell he have social anxiety so I made a secret account in instagram so he can talk in this account about how he feel to me he dosent know who he is talking to so far very good he is talking to me how he feels everytime in class and how bad his vocation went I do belive social anxiety makes people want to throw up cuz he wanted to throw up many times and his stomach always hurts him I hope I can help him

[@susanastella7433]

Halal girl this makes me so happy to read.

[@streamepiphany9932]

How's he doing now??

[@lianage.3885]

kati. your compassion for those you've never met truly inspires me. thank you for consistently brightening up my day and putting things in perspective

[@mfern215]

Great videos and channel! I really appreciate the info you provide. The info on this older video doesn't appear to fit best practice anymore. You might want to consider an update. Social skills and relaxation training do not appear to address the cognitive factors which cause and maintain social anxiety disorder.

[@alextint5987]

Having social anxiety is when you are talking and it feels like you don't hear your voice or what you are saying. Also feels like you have to process huge amounts of information, stimulation & that's why it's difficult to keep eye contact, specially when you are going to describe something, it's difficult to explain your thoughts. When you are going to say something you feel your chest is heavy and you are under pressure to talk. Afortunately this never happens when I feel confident with the person in front of me, it's because I feel I can be 100% me with that friend or family member, they will never criticize and the person is really understanding or tolerant

[@jeannie32bean1]

Because of my insurance, I've run out of sessions with my therapist, your free downloadable workbooks and your videos and website are a great source for me to use until my sessions can begin again. Thank you!

[@angelturnmire6228]

The way that I have found best effective is owning a pet....any pet....I own two turtles....3 fish...and a dog....I sit and talk with my animals to help my illness when I feel anxious....to me...it’s the best therapy because they help me take my mind off of things...they make great listeners too!

[@julieholland2165]

I really like the generosity of your spirit, doing all these videos! (My only critique is I found the addition of the slight music toward the end aggravating to try and filter out. Your videos are good without it) (I may seem too sensitive by saying it, but I'll risk it) Keep up the great work!

[@shantelleadeline6053]

Have you tried to treat with Weedborn CBD products?

[@eriklundberg8391]

I also stuggle with social anxiety, I've been letting my fears for social situations control my life for the last 6 years +. But NO MORE! Thanks for your awesome videos Kati.

[@sourcecodeman]

good stuff, I'm a psychotherapist in England and this is pretty much spot on, thanks.

[@lisaisreal2052]

I always get jealous of the people I know, how they're able to travel anywhere, meet new people, get promoted at jobs, have successful career, and a happy married life--things I would never get to experience. I would always try to motivate myself and when I finally get the urge to do things, the moment I step out of the house my stomach would turn upside down. And then I'm back to my room locked up again. When it became very unbearable, I had to drag myself to a therapist, and who knows how many times I went to the bathroom to throw up. I could not even open my mouth from fear that I might throw up infront of the therapist. I don't wanna live like this. I want to be normal. How? 😞

[@tarahmcintyretm]

After 4 years of social anxiety, I have finally made an appointment with a Psychologist to get rid of it! Super excited

[@Emma-fq9pv]

Started CBT 3 months ago and medication 2 months ago and I’ve improved so much, I’ve realised how delusional my view towards myself was and how destructive it was. I’ve still got a long way to go but at least now I feel I’m equipped with the tools to deal with situations a lot better.

[@reajrmusic]

Katie, thank you so much for this information. I, like many struggle with social anxiety which stinks because I enjoy talking to people and performing music for an audience. My problem is that I can fake seeming relaxed but things get complicated as I am a blusher. Yes I blush when I feel the eyes of an audience, one or two people or one hundred. After years or reading and some therapy I feel that CBT seems like the way to go. Thank you for clarifying that it is the way we think of situations that create our reality. The desensitizing over time is a great idea as well. Time for me to finally get to work. Thanks again.

[@raini1061]

Just thinking about having to go through the things I'm most afraid of is making me cry

[@catherined6399]

I've developed pretty bad social anxiety a few years ago. I deconstructed it slowly and now it is super rare that I feel anxious in social settings! I can be myself and bond with people! For me, the way out was really to decide that I was beating it and expose myself gradually. I would see it just like physical training (it's uncomfortable now, but I do it to feel better tomorrow). Even if people give you weird looks or unpleasant comments, YOU know what you are doing :) If you tackle this, it will get better :)

[@ploofploof7044]

I struggle with anxiety pretty much every day of my life, my mom calling my name, or my phone buzzing makes me feel like im having a heart attack. Ive been dealing with this for the past 2 years, but more severely this last year. I have stopped doing the things i enjoyed like hanging out with friends, going to public places with family, phone calls, and even online games. I really want to tell my mom about it, but the issue is, she dosent belive in mental disorders, she says they are only more reasons to drug people up, and to make it worse she dosent favour me that much :) she likes my older brother much more.

[@alysonw0nderland]

I love watching your videos and channel grow.... it's such an honor to be a part of this supportive and loving community that is moving to end the stigma of mental illnesses. Because of you and people I have met through your website, I have a hope and faith that I've never had before, in myself and my abilities to have a successful and happy life. I don't think I can thank you enough! I will just continue to support you and all you do! :) xoxo Alyson

[@greggately5782]

As someone with severe social anxiety disorder, you don’t overcome it; you cope with it the best you can...I’ve lived my life the best I can and I do many things to help with the symptoms (exercise frequently, eat healthy, regular talk therapy and medication). It’s helped me get better, but it never goes away. Im grateful for the good days, but there’s so many bad ones when I feel like I want to die. I feel for those who aren’t even able to get diagnosed by a doctor because the thought makes them go into a panic attack. People need more education and understanding on how terrible and debilitating SAD can be. I wasn’t diagnosed until my 20’s because no one believed I had an issue except me. They just thought I was ‘weird’. I had to have a doctor tell me I have a mental disorder and I’m not a ‘freak’.

[@shyb7847]

I still hate going put and being around people I do not know. My manager had asked me to ask people around the store if they want to smell a new fragrance we had. I felt sick to my stomach. I did not want to go out and talk to people and bother them. I literally walked to circles and felt like everyone was watching me.

[@christopherdownes20]

That's Kati. I've recovered so much from my social anxiety even though it is still a struggle. Also,you are a beautiful girl.

[@amandakay6844]

So does anyone have tips for a 16 yr old who can't afford a therapist? I have a lot of social anxiety when going to any social situation, usually when I'm not sure exactly what's going to happen. I become nauseous and my stomach hurts on the way there, and I can't fathom going to anything without having a parent, my sister, or one of my two best friends there. A lot of the times I am super shy as well, and that doesn't help because I don't know how to talk to people, which makes me anxious. And I also experience a lot of flashbacks of embarrassing things I have done, even years ago, which I hate cause they make me feel awful. And also... I am fully aware that my anxiousness is stupid and for nothing. I'm not gonna get pointed at and laughed at. But still... My stomach hurts and I would rather stay home. Any tips on how to make this better?

[@amandakay6844]

Oh and I am super quiet until you are my best friend. And I have resting bitch face so that's not helping with that. I'm afraid people think I'm mean, but I just literally don't know how to initiate/keep up a conversation. Even with my best best friends I have trouble dealing with emotional closeness, and eye contact. Also, public speaking is the worst thing in the world. I presented a project last year the entire time just staring at the teacher. I couldn't even look out into the class. I try to put my self out there to make my self used to it, and I'm pretty proud of myself for putting myself out of my comfort zone to volunteer, go to a college program, and occasionally answer questions in class. But it's still a huge problem that is kind of limiting me while I look for jobs and a potential career I might want. So yeah

[@mcrguitar316]

AmandaKay I'm sorry I can't help but you've literally described me! I feel the same unfortunately, plus I tried to get a therapist (there are only 2 places for it near me and I've tried but the waiting list is 10 months!

[@SnakeWasRight]

I totally have this feeling before pretty much anything where you don't know what's going to happen. I basically got over this because I had it in my mind that I was going to go. It's just what was going to happen, so I strapped myself in, and I just... went, and I let the feeling sit. After a while, I realized the feeling would go away, it was more about the suspense of going there, and sometimes just the similarity with other stressful situations. For example, I had this feeling in my stomach right before any party or dance back in high school, and it still hits me sometimes. I usually just go anyway, and if it becomes too much, I hide in the bathroom for a while lol I kind of use the anxiety against itself, like, the anxiety I'd feel of having missed another thing, or what people might think about me if I never go to any functions or anything. I used to have it bad with class in college. If I'd get behind, I'd just completely fall off the map, but I got out of it because I saw the pattern. I'd avoid going because the anxiety kept getting worse the longer the gap between going was, so I trained myself to be anxious about getting behind in the first place. So, like if I missed class for 1 week, I'd miss it again since I missed last week, but obviously, that's a bad pattern, so even though I have extreme anxiety showing up late or something, it was to avoid an even worse version of that same feeling that would build the longer I waited to do the right thing. It's sort of like coming clean on a lie, the sooner you tell the truth, the less lies you have to spin, and you'll have to come clean sooner or later, so why not sooner. And I have the flashbacks too, it's embarrassing as hell to think about times when I was stupid, but I get through it by telling myself that I've grown and learned, and I'm not the same person, but also that there's plenty of people who are goofy and act stupid in my life who I love.

[@evergustavolimachivargas8604]

Hello :")

[@scienceblossom6197]

"Progressive De-Sensitization: Putting ourselves in anxiety provoking situations, and then giving ourselves time to calm down, and then doing it again, and calming down. So at some point in the near future, we'll go into those situations that used to be extremely anxiety provoking and put us to like a 10, maybe have a panic attack, and we'll be fine! because we can manage it, because we've been practicing calming ourselves down, and that honestly is the key to working through any phobia, whether social phobia or any other thing that you're really afraid of and you're worried about and it makes you really anxious, it helps immensely."

[@hunnybSue]

That is my worst nightmare, if I I knew this was happening in a therapy session, I wouldn't go to the session. I would be too scared of being judged.

[@artsy3576]

Her even telling me going somewhere with my friends gives me anxiety

[@b.robertson9042]

There absolutely is evidence for the social anxiety that people feel. Everybody here remembers times when cruel people, predatory types, sensed that you were awkward or anxious and took advantage of that. And it only adds to the fear of being in that situation again. CBT can help, but the anxiety will never completely go away. I should add: that's just my opinion.

[@LiverAndOnions69]

I am so tired and scared of being alone all the time

[@RyanMadho]

My heart rate is always through the roof when I have to interact with others; I'm always afraid of being judged.

[@jackmeyer8451]

Love your videos. Can you do one focusing on the steps of the grieving process and how to move through them.

[@lovetolaugh35]

thank you for posting this!!! I didnt know this was out there!!! It really has helped in just the few short min i listened to your video. I am saving it and will listen to it again... This is a God send... God Bless

[@marshhy11]

Hello. :) So, I have struggled with GAD for a long while now. You know how when people ask you to go out with a group of friends and you have to quick think of a reason to not go because you have too much anxiety? I hated making up a fake excuse so I just started straight up saying "I can't go because my social anxiety prevents me from participating in social activities." and every time they go "Okay." and leave it at that instead of bugging me about it. I have gotten better over the past year and do go out a lot more thanks to the support of friends and medication. :)

[@ValiciaJackson7]

The fact that you're able to openly tell someone you have social anxiety and can take the steps to even make an appointment to see a therapist shows that your anxiety isn't that extreme. How can you seek help for social anxiety if seeking help causes social anxiety?

[@Albaquenocalba]

+Valicia Jackson I was thinking something similar, for what I've seen on the internet I might have some kind of social anxiety but one of the hardest things for me is actually talking to someone who is "above me" in some way, like a doctor, making an appointment to any stupid thing like even getting a haircut or of course seeking help from a therapist... Hope it makes any sense haha also any tips from anyone? :)

[@Didntknowyoucouldchangethis]

I haven't been to a haircuter in a long time. I've had one of my family members cut it so maybe, if you live with someone who knows how to cut hair, ask them or ask a friend or just learn to cut it yourself. One of the things that I find really helps is talking to someone I really trust like a family member and have them set up appointments. Of course therapy has helped me a lot in this department so I do recommend that being the number one priority.

[@supercat7284]

don't be afraid of seeking a therapist they have seen nervous people like you before , and will try their best to make you comfortable with them.

[@ValiciaJackson7]

"don't be afraid" Thank you for trying to help really! But that doesn't do much. haha Social anxiety isn't rational. Telling yourself to not be afraid does nothing. :/ It's not just a mental thing. Sometimes it can be so bad that you physically can't even move/talk.

[@supercat7284]

No dude, don't think no one understands. There are 7 billions of us humans in this world, you will be surprised how many have similar interest , strengths, weaknesses, etc. You might even find other people with same thing in your town, suburb , country, continent ,etc. Who knows the one you consulting might had this.. I have had the exact same thing , maybe worse. My parents thought I was mental. No one could understand me outside my family. Worse thing I did was shy away from when I was given an opportunity to talk with a "strangers". Don't waste that opportunity , say anything , don't be afraid of looking silly . _Looking silly after messing up is part of the process_ . Cause eventually you are gonna act less silly to normal . Instead be relieved that you messed up . Cause next time you are going to mess up less The only cure for dealing with this kind of thing is practice. Breathing , drinking water, etc doesn't work for me. It is practice that had improved my speech and helped me slowly get over anxiety. The more you talk the "more control" you get over this. You can't magically become social person in one day or so. That is what I learned . Its slow improvement . Very very slow. It took years for me and 2016 I am still fighting but 10x better compared to last year Yeah this is similar to the exposure therapy You have Avoidant Personality Disorder too.

[@MrLMSMAN]

I have had SAD all my life but only found about the condition had a name about12 months ago before which I'd been battling with it myself for the previous years. Prior to that I would never socialize and avoid any family or public event if at all possible. I thought maybe I'm an introvert but tests I've done show I'm 50/50 introvert/extrovert. I've had six months therapy, tried going out to clubs and coffee shops on my own but find it uncomfortable and boring on my own. And despite all my efforts I have no friends, only see people in my part time job as I live alone and I've isolated myself from what little family I still have. My biggest issue from day one that all my effort has had no effect on is talking to people and any self worth. Very very low motivation. I don't know if that's something else rather than social anxiety and it is that which causes my social anxiety. Also through all this I've learned to never expect others who don't suffer with SAD to have any understanding of it. Don't waste your life away like I have. Do anything to fight it. Even if it's buying a book just to gain knowledge and chip away at the edges of your illness. It will make you stronger over time to take more action.

[@cocoapey]

Thank you so much for your videos! They are easy to understand and follow. Thank you for bringing awareness and educating people on an otherwise difficult to understand topics. I appreciate your channel so much, so many thanks!

[@shelan7058]

Hi Kati! Could you please make a video about "How to deal with embarrassment/ embarrassing situations". Or maybe just situations that we think were extremely embarrassing and keep thinking about it for a long time. I don't know if that is a symptom of a specific disorder.

[@SnuffIt]

“Close your eyes...” Nope, too anxious to do that

[@AG-vn1fn]

I'VE BEEN STRUGGLING WITH SOCIAL ANXIETY SINCE I WAS 13 AND NOW I'M 23, NOBODY KNOWS THAT. EVEN MY FAMILY. IT'S HARD TO SEEK HELP. YOU'RE THE ONLY ONE WHO KNOWS ATM

[@ellendubbeld280]

Just found this: whatever someone says, does or thinks about me is " none of my business ". This simple little statement did a quantum shift in my perception.

[@adlidiahs4784]

ive met the psychiatric, he said to me that i have bipolar 2 episode hypomanic. but im so scare to talk with people. unless people that i know and guarenteed care about me. before i met doctor, i thought i have these 3 disorder, adhd, social anxiety, and hypersexuality. the doctor said to me im "not have social phobia, this is symptom since childhood" and he said maybe i have other phobia, and my disorder maybe overlapped with other not yet found disorder. With the increase dos of Quetiapin was given, i must meet him 2 week later . I dont care any of my teory anymore, but the problem is im still scare to talk with people. unless the fear is less when i go to the mall where everybody not really care about me at all. but what i feel is everybody is judging me everywhere i go. Anyway, I feel calm when i on the way meet the doctor, not because i have been good, but because i thought my teory was right and know what to do to control it while under the doctor's care (such as separate myself from everybody including my family) not just physically but also mentally such as not hearing any song from radio but more to independence or underrated song something like that. Currently not study or work. Absolute under care from doctor. Staying home and really rare for me to go out, unless if its really important. another thing is., i love going to look for gadget (which is i really like and sometimes, i dont care towards my surrounding).

[@FATE999-g8d]

same

[@jemdie1013]

I have three friends: me myself and I

[@paztururututu4864]

Thank you Kati!!!

[@paddlepop77]

Hi Kati...I've been on different types of benzos since I was 18. It all started when I thought everyone was staring at me, and laughing at me as they passed by. I've seen psychs and CB people but nothing works. 24 hours a day I have a crushing feeling on my chest and butterflies in my tummy, even when I go to sleep. So it's just not in social situations, it's 24/7. When I was on Ativan, I really abused it, taking too many. I now take Clonazepam, and stick to the plan (0.5 mg in the morning, and 0.5 mg in the afternoon). I also had a really bad time with depression, to the point where I left a note and put plastic bags on my head to stop me from breathing. I guess my adrenaline kicked in and I ripped the bags open, thank God. So I take Effexor XR for that (150 mg in the morning). I guess I'm resigned to always feeling the way I do.

[@filmyjogi9328]

Lets make a online group of people dealing with social anxiety and motivate each other

[@justdoitnewyork94]

I wish there was a group a socially anxious people and we would all sit together and hyperventilate and avoid eye contact long enough that we end up being comfortable with each other.

[@sisgentertainment8361]

justdoitnewyork94 There are many supportive groups I am a part of on Facebook. Love and light to you ❤️

[@elaine1274]

im pretty sure i have social anxiety but i was never actually diagnosed with it (bc im too scared to go to a therapist bc of my social anxiety) but i do get anxiety in social situations and panic attacks but i think that im a lot better than i once was bc my anxiety attacks are mot as serious as they once were. those methods she said to overcome social anxiety really work, u have to basically face your fear and it will not be as bad but i just had a lot of experiences facing my fears at school through presentations, group work, walking past large crowds, etc

[@darkestentries]

I was born with a social anxiety disorder, so I can't overcome it. It's hard because I have other disorders too.

[@zabispanta7437]

Thanks my lady for great explination

[@alextint5987]

One part of my reality is that I feel very misunderstood and overwhelmed because I'm surrounded by superficial & toxic people with different personalities and they are hard to approach because they never show interest in what you're going to say and Ignores you every time they can do it only because they see you are the opposite to the normal standarts of extroverted people. Sometimes exist different humans that are seen as weird and people usually are afraid of everything that is different, unknown and unusual. Apart of Superficial people also It's hard for me to connect even with loyal and positive people, It's complicated because I'm usually the last in showing interest thanks to my insecurities and social anxiety, this sucks and frustrate my interactions. I feel so identified and supported in this kind of KZbin and Mental Health communities at the point that I don't have to explain what I feel because I see people on the comments that describe perfectly what is being like an introverted person. When I'm saying approach people, I refer to classmates, strangers and friendships, not only to loved ones.

[@punchjumper3744]

loved the wee bloopers at the end lol, but yes, i struggle with S.A.D and i have just started my counselling for helping me overcome it :) ive only had my initial assessment session with my possibly counselor, but im really looking forward to getting to the end of this! ugh having it social anxiety disorder is so hard :( i really hate it so much, even thinking about having this disorder makes me anxious, this video was great :) thank you! xx

[@rozsheehy6146]

I think that the world is going insane! I've turned into an agoraphobic because of it!! Too many judgemental people, angry people, rude people, etc...!!!! I'm a peace loving hippy and I think that this world needs is a giant hug and understanding. AND mental health care, including myself!!

[@Amberandjaryn]

I have social anxiety but idc what people think like you said I just get anxiety ? My anxiety happens for no reason all the time and it's so annoying idk

[@SnakeWasRight]

I get anxious when I'm bored, which is most conversations to me lol

[@aniyaniamichaelle8124]

I mean the only way to get rid of it is to overcome are fears... Things that scare us we have to face them. I know is gonna be hard but... Only way..

[@nailaseale1339]

When you said it was fear of being laughed at or being made fun of. For me atleast it's more I'm afraid they're gonna go behind my back and make fun of me and laugh at me. Does that count?

[@okaynot5934]

Kati!! you're great ur videos are simple and very clearly! thank you and keep it on 🌷

[@taraa4281]

Oh I love the little intro tune even more now

[@harshaunknown]

Thank you

[@guyfromostrava]

Ok here are my few cents. First, I've been diagnosed with social anxiety. Second, I agree that exposure therapy works for most phobias. However, I find it doesn't for my SA. The key for exposure therapy, at least in my opinion, is that we know that the fear one feels is irrational, ie when someone is afraid to go on an elevator because it might fall. Right, so we gradually expose that person to the elevator with the end goal of riding the elevator by themselves. The key here is that the elevator doesn't actually fall. If it did, it would validate the fears and the therapy wouldn't work. Now, with my social anxiety, the elevator does fall quite often. What I mean is, that from time to time I muster enough strength to go out and expose myself, but all of my fears come true, which in turn reinforces my belief that being social is something to be feared and is not desirable. My therapist struggles with that and doesn't have proper arguments. Any ideas are welcome...

[@randommess6667]

its not that much of an irrational fear to me as yes its unlikely a stranger will decide to hit me/swear at me ect but its happened to other ppl you might run into a mad angry person one day thats always possibility, people are snatching children off the street and killing them , there are criminals living around us , the only way not to ever worry about it id if I just stop caring about my own wellbeing

[@jeremymoore2081]

Great job in Shane's videos and I'm loving this video. Thank you.

[@IllyanaIda]

But when I imagine being in a public place I don’t feel nothing. But when I am in real life I get a panic attack.