I have social anxiety disorder but tomorrow I have a job interview. Any advice?

I have pretty bad social anxiety disorder, ever since high school ended I basically stopped talking with anyone I knew and became somewhat of a hermit. I used to be a really confident person though, its weird. I just take online college classes now and dont really do anything outside my house except go to the store.

Anyway tomorrow I have my first job interview in 5 years. What should I do? Any advice from people who have experienced a similar situation?

I don't know how bad your anxiety is, but I'll say that if the stress induces vomiting or cold sweats you should probably see a psychologist (I'm not being a smartass, they can perscribe anti-anxiety drugs such as Paxel). However, if you deal with a more moderate form of anxiety (which I do as well) such as a rapid pulse at random, cotton mouth, shakes, etc, there are a few things you can do.

1: First and foremost: Distract yourself. You already have a huge advantage, being a gamer. Video games are my cure to anxiety, I just pop in a game and wait it out.

2: Excersise. I hate it more than anything, but it's 100% true that excersise is one of the most rapid stress relievers there is. Run a mile or two, hit the heavy bag, you'll feel a LOT better.

3: If you're a smoker, you know what to do.

Whatever you do, don't take prescription drugs. They will numb out life for you and make you a zombie.

And anxiety is caused by not being able to handle confrontation (physical fights or verbal fights) and not being able to make people like you (vibing with people, saying something kinda funny, smiling, etc.).

If you are having troubles, try to just figure it out by yourself with a piece of paper because if you go to a therapist or classes or the self-help industry or any kind of drugs or alcohol, they will make the situation even worse for you.

Basically your problem is your own conception that you have a problem. If you just think that you dont have a problem you wont have one and everything will be great.thisishowtowin

Anxiety disorders are very real, unless you've experienced it you can't know. My father, sister, and myself all suffer from it.

Basically your problem is your own conception that you have a problem. If you just think that you dont have a problem you wont have one and everything will be great.thisishowtowin

It's all about chemical imbalances that can not be controlled by choice. It's too bad cognitive thinking doesn't work with anxiety disorders.

i have had this before

Working out seems to help alot

also breathing in fresh outdoor air helps

being nervous is a natural thing try to beat it in your head its a mental thing its all in the head

also try and control your breathing taking in deep breaths and counting to ten

and if u got to throw up just throw up u will feel better anyways if u do but thats also in the head dont get used to doing that or else your body with think thats a natural reaction

have a bottle of water with u that helps ALOT !!! drinking water helps

Research common and difficult interview questions and practice what you would say. You'd enter the interview room more confident and relaxed knowing you've got some answers to potential questions.

Common questions would be something like"Tel lme about yourself"and "Why should I hire you?"

get high and take some shrooms if you can handle yourself appropriately while tripping.

YOU WON'T EVEN KNOW YOU ARE AT A JOB INTERVIEW.

get high and take some shrooms if you can handle yourself appropriately while tripping.

YOU WON'T EVEN KNOW YOU ARE AT A JOB INTERVIEW.

NavigatorsGhost

[QUOTE="NavigatorsGhost"]

get high and take some shrooms if you can handle yourself appropriately while tripping.

YOU WON'T EVEN KNOW YOU ARE AT A JOB INTERVIEW.

wemhim

then the interviewer might feel sorry for him and hire him.

Its win, win.

DO IT.

I have pretty bad social anxiety disorder, ever since high school ended I basically stopped talking with anyone I knew and became somewhat of a hermit. I used to be a really confident person though, its weird. I just take online college classes now and dont really do anything outside my house except go to the store.

Anyway tomorrow I have my first job interview in 5 years. What should I do? Any advice from people who have experienced a similar situation?

PrimordialMeme

If you don't talk to anyone (especially to those you know), stay inside and only go out to the store, you need to see a therapist. It's not healthy to stay indoors; it only reinforces the belief in your head that you can't deal with the outside world. I fight the same thing as you everyday, but forcing myself out the door helps 100%. It helps social skills, builds confidence, etc.

Anyways, got a bit off topic. Just try not to think about it....it's hard, but just try. Read a book, listen to music, take a hot bath or watch a funny movie to help you relax. Or, like some have said, exercise your @$$ off.....get so tired that you couldn't care less about what happens. I don't know what type of job you are interviewing for, but unless it's for a position at Google or something it's pretty much not that big of a deal. Remember, a lot of interviewers are just as nervous as the person they are interviewing. Don't feel they hold all the cards....you are checking them out just as much as they are you. You'll be fine, and in the end it's great practice even if you don't get the job.

Best of luck.

Start socializing. It will be nerve wrecking at first, but eventually you'll get used to it.AGSUser12

First off, get the hell out of your house and put yourself out there. I am almost certain I have an anxiety disorder (Have had multiple panic attacks at college) and I think the WORSE thing to do is run and hide. The fear is BS and you know it, so confront it. Break the walls down before they get too strong.

As for the interview, do anything that you enjoy and anythig that relaxes you. If you have friends talk to them and try to talk out the anxiety.

Once you get there, do whatever you can to remain calm. If a panic attack starts, force yourself to keep the shaking from being too aparent and let it pass. It never lasts.....

Drink booze. That'll make you more social.) But seriously just keep the goal in mind. You need a job so you can get stuff, buy games, pay bills etc. Try to put whatever peripheral thoughts and concerns aside and just go in. Stay focused on the things that will get you the job. Think about why you are qualified for the job.

If your anxiety is getting in the way of your life then consider getting help at some point. Best of luck to you.

I have pretty bad social anxiety disorder, ever since high school ended I basically stopped talking with anyone I knew and became somewhat of a hermit. I used to be a really confident person though, its weird. I just take online college classes now and dont really do anything outside my house except go to the store.

Anyway tomorrow I have my first job interview in 5 years. What should I do? Any advice from people who have experienced a similar situation?

PrimordialMeme

Before you go, do as much exercise as you can! Your muscles should be sore. Exercise helps relieve anxiety and it builds confidence. Also, don't think too much about the questions. Just answer. Trust me, it doesn't work if you sit there saying, "Umm.......I.....ah.....hmmmmm......" or if you stare off into space to think.

Just out of curiousity, did you get the job or what?Rekunta

Nope, no calls in a month. I didn't want one to be honest, because I was horrible at the interview. I was my regular public self. A shaky, off putting, personality.

I just don't know what I'll do anymore. Im a failure.