I think I have Social Anxiety Disorder. Does anyone else have it, how do you deal with it?

It is very hard for me to be in social events. I feel like everyone is watching me or whispering about me and sometimes they actually are. My palms get sweaty and I get shortness of breaths. I feel so alone and I have a hard time being around people - speaking, walking in front of them, etc. I also feel like no one understands me and I feel so lost. I feel like it is destroying my life.

Yes, you sound like you have social anxiety and maybe panic disorder. Behavioral therapy and meds is probably the way to go for you. Find a therapist in your area before it gets so bad you can't function anymore, because it can and likely will progress without treatment.

You sound in a terrible state! I don't have SAD but i do suffer with anxiety and panic attacks. Firstly I have to say, go to your GP (I know you wont, as often the anxiety surrounding that will discourage you) but they can prescribe things that will really help, or cognitive behavioural therapy. BUT dont despair if you feel you cant manage the doctors. There is a homepathic remedy that really works called Bachs rescue remedy, use it when your feeling particularly anxious. Also, there are meditation classes that really help, but if you cant manage those you can type meditation into youtube and there are lots of classes on there to help you. Lastly, you need to improve your confidence. One of the things I have been taught is to write things you like about yourself and stick them to your mirror and read them everytime you look into it. This should help, as what you like about yourself others should like and this reminds you to use those things. I truly hope this helps xx

:( Yeah, I have social anxiety disorder. I take medication and go see my therapist. The medication definitely helps take the edge off for me.

It seems like you have social anxiety disorder. I empathize with you feeling like you're alone. The truth is that you aren't. I recommend looking at this website if you haven't come across it: www.socialanxietysupport.com.

Ask for help - the hardest three words in life I NEED HELP.
Then go on the route of counselling, Cognitive Behavioural therapy, emotional freedom therapy, and then start to live in the present and not the past. Be brave, the first step is the hardest, but will lead you to the cure

Find a psychologist that you can go talk to. A few good sessions to begin. Then I would ask the doctor to put you on xanax. I have similar symptoms like you.....and the xanax helps very well. You don't need to take it everyday. I only take it on days when I have big meetings, uncomfortable events, etc. Good luck!!! Just remember, we are always more harsh on ourselves then people are of us.

http://www.bringhealth.com/anxiety_disor...
try this

meds, ativan , xanx,

A therapist suggested I might have that as well. I definitely empathize with how you feel in groups, I'm the same way. It used to make it very hard to go to class and even now I rarely go out.

From what I understand, SAD doesn't develop on its own. It goes hand-in-hand with low self-esteem, so that's what you'd need to work on.

I wish I had a quick, certain solution. But, if I did, I wouldn't have the same problem! Identifying the problem has made a difference for me. I try to stop negative thoughts when they happen instead of letting them fester in my brain. Going out with my partner, rather than alone, helps too. I have her there to tell me I'm just nervous and no one is saying anything.

Then, there's forcing yourself. I love my job, but it requires maintaining relationships with business owners and other people in the community. Sounds scary, huh? It is. Its hard, painful and absolutely exhausting. But, I have to do it and so I do. That's a rough way to get past something, but it has helped.