Social Anxiety

[chemchick15]

I'm an INTJ gal and I experience social anxiety in certain situations. When I'm 'anonymous', e.g. going to supermarket, I have no social anxiety and I just focus on the task at hand. I don't pay attention to anyone and no one expects anything from me. But when I'm in a social setting where I'm not anonymous, I have crazy social anxiety. Any helpful cognitive coping mechanisms?

[Silverity]

Well... first it helps to figure out WHY you're having the anxiety, and then apply rational thought and logic over and over again until it begins to fade.

So, what's the problem with not being anonymous?

[kepstein8888]

I may have some ideas, but if you could give an example of a situation where you're not anonymous, it might help.

[Frag]

Interesting, I might usually say the reverse.

[Jinxu]

There are many other INTJs with the same issue as you. You need therapy to be able to overcome it.

See here:

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[Just So]

One thing which has worked for me is to bring along an extroverted companion - they thrive being the center of attention while you can stand beside them, unnoticed in your oasis of solitude.

Or say things which will focus attention on one of the other participants and let them be in the spotlight instead of yourself.

[Marquis Andras]

I've had social phobia since I was about six. I'm thirty-one, now, so I've been "coping" for quite some time. I "coped" by either avoiding events, altogether, or taking along a friend or family member. Though, I was never even comfortable being "anonymous". I've just started therapy. It's a decision, that I regret putting off. I've seen plenty of evidence to suggest, that cognitive behavioral therapy is a highly effective treatment. I believe the statistics suggested over a 95% success rate. If you feel, that you're unable to seek out therapy or don't need it, digging through Google results for Dr. Richards may turn up some interesting information and potential torrents. Not that I'd ever condone piracy. ;) I'm just saying...