<p>College is difficult enough, but anyone with social anxiety knows that it's the worst thing for the college environment. My anxiety got worse when I lived in the dorm. Now I have my own apt but I'm still dealing with Social Anxiety. It's my 4th year and I might be here a 5th year too. Most people have already made friends and close bonds but I haven't as of yet.</p>
<p>Anyone dealing with the same or similar issues? Have you overcome it? Any advice? Thanks!</p>
<p>Focus on one extracurricular activity to the point where it has the same importance as your studies. It should be related to something for which you have a sincere passion. Make yourself participate even if you’re uncomfortable. Use your voice because what you have to say is important. In other words put yourself out there. Yes it can be scary because you’d be opening yourself up and showing vulnerability. But it takes vulnerability to make a connection with someone. Try this but be patient and fairhful. It works.</p>
<p>Let me tell you that I am going through the same exact feeling as a Freshman. The thing that I am slowly coming to realize is that it is all about confidence and a lack of fear. There will be opportunities that people will give to make short witty remarks or some quick small talk even though they already have their friends so why sully those opportunities worrying about what the “right” thing to say is?</p>
<p>If you have confidence in yourself and don’t cloud your mind with doubts about whether or not you’re going to make a good impression in these short moments of opportunity you are much more likely to make social interaction that you can be proud of. It really all comes down to simply having almost blind confidence in yourself. More often than not the reason why people feel that they are socially awkward is simply because they are overthinking these little opportunites and trying to hard. At least for me, the worrying is what made social interaction such a difficulty.</p>
<p>The only reason why I’m socially anxious is because I stutter. I have a speech impediment, and it really gets in the way of communicating to people. I’d love to be more social, but I can’t because my speech impediment prevents me from talking as much as I wish. I don’t know how to help you with this, but just realize that you might be in a much better situation than I am. You can choose to be less self-conscious and start talking to people. I know I’d definitely talk to new people without worrying about what they’d think of me if I could speak without struggling.</p>
<p>Hi,
Are you seeing a therapist? If not you should, immediately. To work it alone is almost impossible. Years ago, when I was in college, I suffered from depression. By chance I ended going to a therapist on campus. It was the best thing that happened to me.</p>
<p>^ wow that’s really encouraging to hear.</p>