Talk to Psychiatry on I Have Social Anxiety... :(
Asking for Self, Male, 23 years old, Lahore
I have been struggling with social anxiety for about 5 years, but over the last 6 months it has become much worse.
The biggest problem is that I feel extremely anxious whenever I have to interact with people, especially in person. Even the thought of going outside, talking to someone, or visiting a clinic makes me very anxious. My heart races, I overthink everything, and I often avoid situations because the anxiety feels overwhelming.
I know I need professional help, but the anxiety itself stops me from getting it. I repeatedly convince myself that I will go to a clinic, but when the time comes, I cannot make myself go. This cycle keeps repeating, and I end up staying at home.
Over the past 6 months, I have also started experiencing frequent suicidal thoughts, which are much more intense than before. These thoughts scare me because they have become a regular part of my life. I don't feel comfortable telling anyone in person, and I haven't been able to seek treatment because of my anxiety.
This has affected almost every part of my life. I avoid social situations, keep overthinking conversations, and feel isolated. I want help, but I feel stuck because my anxiety prevents me from taking the first step.
My questions are:
1. Based on these symptoms, does this sound like Social Anxiety Disorder, or could it be something else as well? 2. Can social anxiety become severe enough that a person is unable to visit a clinic? 3. Since I am unable to come for an in-person appointment because of my anxiety, would online consultation be appropriate as a first step? 4. What treatment is usually recommended in cases like mine? Is therapy alone enough, or are medications sometimes needed? 5. What can I do to finally overcome the fear of seeking professional help?
I genuinely want to get better and start treatment. Any guidance would be greatly appreciated.
AOAWRWB Thank you for reaching out at Marham. This message itself is a courageous act on your behalf and I appreciate you for it. The realization that you need help and the progressive worsening of the symptoms are indicative of increased severity of illness. We need detailed history and mental state examination to establish the diagnosis and only then we can talk about treatment options. To overcome the fear of visiting a doctor, remind yourself that your quality of life can be improved drastically by seeking professional help.
Dr. Shafiq Thahim - Psychiatrist
MBBS, diploma in mental health , Diploma in Public Mental Health | Karachi
71 Positive Reviews
Based on what you’ve described, social anxiety disorder is certainly a possibility, but a detailed assessment is needed to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions. Yes, social anxiety can become severe enough that a person is unable to seek help in person and so in such cases, online sessions are a good first step. Treatment may include CBT and depending on the severity of symptoms, medication may also be recommended (based on the info provided). However, the suicidal thoughts that you’ve mentioned are the most concerning part. I would strongly encourage you to arrange a consultation with a psychiatrist or psychologist as soon as possible. If you ever feel you may act on these thoughts or cannot keep yourself safe, ask a family member or friend to help you seek care. With the right treatment and support, people with severe social anxiety can and do recover.
Dr. Muhammad Ayub Baloch | Consultant Psychiatrist | FCPS (Gold Medalist) - Psychiatrist
MBBS, FCPS Psychiatry ( Gold-Medalist ), Fellow, College of Physicians & Surgeons, Pakistan, Certificated Child & Adolescent Psychiatry. Consultant Psychiatrist & Expert in the treatment of Psychiatric, Neuropsychiatric, Drug addiction & Sexual disorders | Karachi
545 Positive Reviews
آپ نے بہت ہمت سے اپنی کیفیت بیان کی ہے، اور یہ واضح ہے کہ آپ شدید social anxiety اور مسلسل suicidal thoughts سے گزر رہے ہیں۔ یہ کیفیت واقعی اتنی شدید ہو سکتی ہے کہ clinic جانا بھی مشکل لگے، لیکن چونکہ خودکشی کے خیالات بار بار آ رہے ہیں، ابھی اکیلے نہ رہیں۔ فوراً کسی قابلِ اعتماد گھر والے یا دوست کو بتائیں، نقصان پہنچانے والی چیزیں اپنے سے دور کریں، اور آج ہی قریبی emergency یا psychiatrist سے فوری رابطہ کریں۔ Online consultation پہلا قدم ہو سکتی ہے، مگر خطرہ زیادہ ہو تو in-person assessment ضروری ہے۔ Therapy اور ضرورت کے مطابق medication سے واضح بہتری ممکن ہے—آپ اس کیفیت میں ہمیشہ نہیں رہیں گے۔
ڈسکلیمر: یہ آن لائن معلومات عمومی رہنمائی کے لیے ہیں، مکمل تشخیص یا ذاتی علاج کا متبادل نہیں۔ شدید یا مسلسل علامات میں مستند ماہر سے براہِ راست رابطہ کریں۔
Homeopathic Dr. Psychologist Basit Chawla - Homeopath
DHMS, Clinical psychologist | Karachi
100 Positive Reviews
آپ کا مسئلہ ہومیوپیتھک علاج سے ان شاء اللہ مکمل طور پر ٹھیک ہو سکتا ہے، فکر نہ کریں۔ براہِ کرم آن لائن اپائنٹمنٹ لے لیں۔
مزید اطمینان کے لیے میرے پروفائل پر موجود مریضوں کے ریویوز بھی دیکھ سکتے ہیں۔
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Patient
Post Owner
Could you please share the details of where I can consult you?
I was diagnosed with OCD. It's much better than before, but I still struggle with it sometimes. I'm just tired of these never-ending anxieties. When one gets better, another one starts.
I'd like to book a therapy session
1 week ago