night_vision

I have suffered from social anxiety for as long as I remember. I was wondering if anyone has successfully overcome their social anxiety and by what means? I've been to psychologists, therapists, and counsellors many times, and all of them left me feeling worse afterwords. I have considered trying medication but really don't like taking prescription drugs, and am afraid they will only mask the symptoms, not cure the root problem. I'm at a loss right now and feel like social anxiety is ruining my life, and not allowing me to live my live the way I would like. I don't know what I should do, and would really like to stay away from medication.

Don't worry I took no offense, I am a pretty easy going guy and didn't feel you were being harsh or anything, in fact your a very helpful person and I appreciate the advice. Update: Anyway I got a message from someone I interviewed with a long time ago, in the message they said they had lost my number but finally found it and I need to call them tomorrow. That seems promising, It's not like they'd go through the trouble of finding my number and calling me about a month later to say I didn't get the job. And I'm on the verge of another job because my dad knows the interviewer so that is promising as well. Anyone else looking, be patient and BE persistent!

Thanks for the support everyone, it is much appreciated. I usually call back a few days after I turn in the application and it's the same thing over and over, they're never hiring but are going to be in a couple of weeks, which is never true, they're just covering themselves in case someone decides to quit I guess. That is a good idea to speak with the manager when you walk in though. Oh yeah when I said 200 applications I meant this year alone (but that is only a rough estimate) Itsallgrand I'll see if I can find that book. HappyDaisy - I am in high school, but I get out everyother day by 11 am and the other days at 1 pm. Those are good ideas, I'll check my school tomorrow. troublegal05 sorry your in this position too. its hard to keep positive about it, someone told me it's all about timing, applying at the right time can help out so keep your eyes open.

This is the most pathetic thing ever. I've been applying for a job for almost a year and a half and I can't find a place that will hire me. I'd be willing to get anything, fast food, janitor, anything. I don't understand why I can't find something though. I must have filled out 200 applications, not including all the online ones, yet I've gotten only four interviews. Two of the interviews the people there blew me off and told me there was no interview scheduled, and when I called the managers who set up the interviews said that I blew them off and didn't show up. For the other two interviews I showered before hand, dressed nice in button down shirts and a tie, arrived early, had good answers to all the questions, I'm available to work everyday of the week, with very flexible hours, have previous work experience, etc.... I've really begun to think i'll never get hired. I see my friends and other people at my school get jobs easily, and even switch from job to job like it's nothing. I'm going to have to skip going to college (at least for the first year after high shcool) but since I can't get a job I'll just be at my parents house all day. AARGGGGGHHHHHHH!!!!

I like the second and the fourth one the best. Where are you putting it? I'm guessing lower back. How large is it going to be? Good luck choosing.

I'M SO JEALOUS!!!! Calabria is where my moms family is from, in the small town Grimaldi. I've read plenty of books at the library all about studying abroad in Italy. They're worth a trip to library I think, and better than nothing if no one has experience to share. Anyway, good luck, I'm sure you'll have lots of fun!

Sorry I have no experience either. Studying in Italy's been my dream for years, I've even taught myself Italian to about an intermediate level. I'm not going any time soon though, it costs so much. Anyway I'm interested in hearing what people have to say too though. Italianstalian, do you know where in southern Italy your going?

Atmosphere by Joy Division. Its about how we put up barriers to keep people away but how we just want company and to not be lonely. "Don't walk away in silence" Its kind of sad I think

This seems like a stupid topic but I've been thinking about it recently and wanted to hear what other people think about it. Anyway the question is - what is the difference between a regular friendship and a romantic relationship? Obviously in a romantic relationship the two people are intimate in a physical way that friendships don't have, but there is obviously more than that. What is it that distinguishes one from the other?

This thread isn't asking for advice or anything, it is just talking about scars or cuts. I haven't cut for almost a year, so as you can imagine my cuts have long turned to scars. Although I have kicked the habit, they are there everyday to remind me of what I did. Everytime I see the scars all over my arm, wrist and chest it is like a slap accross the face to me. I am ashamed of them, I hate them, every time I almost forget what I did, there they are, like they are mocking me. I am obsessed with getting them to go away. I heard somewhere that vitamin E works well at fading scars, so I have been putting any type of lotion, cream etc.. that has vitamin E on about 7 times a day, and that actually is working (very slowly, but working none the less.) Another technique I heard is putting fake tan over them, then when the tan fades the scars fade too. I guess talk about whatever as long as it has to do with scars or cuts and what you do to hide them, or fade them etc...

Hello I'm glad your looking for help. You are on the right track to getting rid of this. Three months is definitely something to be proud of! I have been exactly where you are at now, and I know you can do it. Keep yourself busy, find a hobby or pastime you like and do your best to keep your mind off of cutting. Focus on something else. If all else fails, I would snap rubber bands on my wrist or take freezing cold showers, that can help ease the desire to cut. Good luck!