CrazyRussian said:I used to just want to do all this stuff, but not be able to do it. For example, I would want to ask a guy next to me for a pencil, but I just couldn't. If I had taken one second to think about it, I would've thought "dude..it's no big deal, just ask him for the fucking pencil" but I used to just shrug it off and say "meh, guess I'm just shy by nature".
For the last few weeks, I've just been pushing thru that "wall". If I want to say something, but start getting those "I don't want to" urges, I simply think to myself "what's the big deal, you're just asking the guy for a pencil/ asking the girl how her day was/ telling the guy how your day is." It's actually worked. I talk more now. I've literally initiated more conversations with strangers/ppl I don't know very well in the last two weeks than I have in the past few years. Swear to god. Not over-exaggerating here. I now raise my hand in class, comment on what the teacher is saying, etc. I used to think people were critcizing what I said...then I looked at it from my point of view. When someone raises their hand in class and says something, do I criticize them? No, I could give two shakes of a shit what they say.
At the sake of rambling, here's what I've been thinking when I want to ask/say something to someone: "if I was in that person's shoes, would I get pissed off by this question/comment?" 99% of the time, I find that the answer is no. Usually embaresing things like semi-flirting have become kinda easier once I've realize that people not only don't mind it, but welcome it.
Although I'm certain I still have some social anxiety which may warrant treatment, I wanna just try my new thingie for a few weeks, see if it doesn't fix things up for me. I kinda wanna do all that therapy and stuff as a last resort.
EDIT = I hope this post doesn't reek too much of the "guy who doesn't want to admit his problem" stench (although I see why it might)
Please, see a mental health professional for a proper diagnosis.
Do it for your own peace of mind, whether you have SAD or not, you'll be better of for knowing.
I'm telling you, these symptoms are classic and I wish you would stop finding excuses and justifications NOT TO GO!
DIV