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The question was submitted 23/09/2007

Subject: advice for a friend

One of my friends has some form of social anxiety I think. She finds it hard to talk to people and gets embarrassed because she thinks that she has mucked up what she says, when truthfully what she says is fine. She finished school in May 2006 but hasn't found a job. Although she has applied for several she has had no luck. What with being jobless and the anxiety she is becoming more depressed. She thinks she is stupid because of it and she really wants to get better. Her family don't understand that her anxiety is a proper illness and such a problem for her.

She was referred to a psychologist in May this year but she is still on the waiting list. I was just wondering if you could give any advice that might help her to cope better, and to maybe help her anxiety somehow while she is waiting to see the pyschologist.
Thanks

Answer from DepNet

Hello and welcome to DepNet,
There are a number of web-based sources of information and treatment that could help your friend. The website of the Clinical Research Unit for Anxiety and Depression, a clinic affiliated with St Vincent’s Hospital and the University of New South Wales, is at www.aforanxiety.com. There is information about social anxiety disorder (social phobia) and severe shyness. The clinic is also offering a web based information program for social phobia – information on this is at www.shyness.tv. Another useful website is www.anxietynetwork.com.au. There is also a good book by Professor Ron Rapee of Macquarie University, called “Overcoming Shyness and Social Phobia”. Any of these resources may be useful in giving your friend information about social anxiety and how to overcome it.

The answer was published on DepNet 02/10/2007