Discussion Need ideas for overcoming Social Anxiety

[ScaredCutter]

At around 2023-2024, I was diagnoised w/ autism and social anxiety. Since then i've realised why i couldnt do many things like communicating to others, looking at others, couldnt be myself around others and some other things.

ive always wanted a way to just talk to others again, i speak very softly because i dont like my actual voice, i can look at people now but it feels awkward after some time but, i cant muster up talking to anyone. im unable to communicate fully with someone unless im used to them after a period of time (my teacher and boyfriend) or just anyone important (being called by professionals or my family). I tend to get really warm and i feel embarrassed unable to speak and sometimes will cry because of how hard it is, it feels like my throat prevents me from trying to speak even if my mouth opens, my heart may race and i just feel like a total loser.

My teacher has and is willing to help me with it but, it just feels like nonsense, i tried suggesting ideas and she agreed with them luckily but, ive made little to no progress.
- Saying hi to people - I walk by - hardly do it
- Waving to people - i wave so low, its unnoticeable
- Responding back to others - i just sometimes refuse to talk and keep things really short
- Trying to communicate in a seperated space - only got to do it once...

I did also talk to my mum about it but it was just the classic "join in with others", "just start talking to them", "its not that hard" and whatever else.

I want to be told things that have helped others or is doing atleast something for them. I probably wont be able to overcome social anxiety but, if something can atleast help me, itd be great.

I also take meds for it but, I can't really tell if theres any major differences.

 

[Hvergelmir]

I strongly believe that the main thing will be repetition. Get through a thousand awkward situations, and you'll be quite resilient to awkwardness.

Autism or not, I think social anxiety is very common for younger people, and that most grow out of it.
It might be harder with autism, but I think it's fundamentally similar. While we all don't qualify for a formal diagnosis, we all have our own oddities and quirks.

I think I personally was helped by interactions with cashiers in stores, repeated many times. I set the objective to get through both confidently and politely (as opposed to avoiding and defensive).
I also made a decision to approach strangers with questions if they caught my interest. That came later though, and was harder, but eventually allowed me to naturally inquire about dogs, cars, solar panels, or whatever interesting thing I see someone deal with.

In short; just keep at it. Being awkward or brief is not offensive.