Blushing and extreme anxiety/stress (8)

1 Name: Anonymous : 2009-11-10 00:42 ID:xQXy6bXH

I've always had slight anxiety issues in classes but as of late I've developed a blushing problem as well (I'm male so this is not a good thing). I used to blush every once in a rare while when embarrassed but now its happening practically once every class.

I've found that what causes me to blush is when anyone looks in my direction really, any sort of attention. I try to tell myself that these are just a bunch of random people I don't care about but I still get all worked up and blush when they look at me. I've come to classes early to sit in the back to avoid being looked at as much, but the problem is many of my classes grade me based on participation. I've been avoiding answering questions as much because of this problem too.

Not only blushing, my entire body starts getting hot. Really sweaty, especially my back.

All I can think about during class is blushing and trying to stop myself from blushing. No medication is going to fix this, I've made myself blushing into a habit. It's gotten to the point that I'm considering dropping out, I've been extremely depressed lately as well so this isn't helping at all.

2 Name: marucita : 2009-11-10 01:30 ID:EJsHi3pF

I´m a female,and I suffer from the blushing thing too (I´m not sure if it´s more accepted in girls than in boys..I see no difference). It feels really bad,and I understand you so well when you say it increases for getting attention :(
Yet,I don´t think it´s such a big deal. I believe sooner or later it´ll get better,when we get more confident in speaking in public. So maybe you shouldn´t try to stop talking...on the contrary,do it more frequently to get the practice,and so when it becomes a habit, you´ll suffer no more. Really, don´t abandon classes for such a small detail..are you going to mess your future for such a tiny obstacle??.
Besides, maybe the others don´t even care about that and it´s you who is turning that into a huge problem. It´s just a matter of perception :)
Good luck. Hope we can get rid of our blushing,which seems a big matter but it´s nothing compared to other problems. Take care! Greetings :)

3 Name: anonymous : 2009-11-12 01:46 ID:i0YzU/3V

I have social anxiety disorder and this causes me a lot of problems in classes that require participation. I experience blushing, sweaty palms, shaky voice, rapid heart rate, usually caused by adrenaline rush. It's really quite annoying to deal with, but pushing yourself to overcome the physical symptoms, though difficult, can help you feel a bit more comfortable every time. It may not seem like you are making progress, but you have to keep countering the skewed and negative thought processes that cause your body to react in such a way--once you start this it will become just as much of a "habit" as your blushing is. If all else fails mild anxiety medications can help you realize that you are quite capable of not experiencing these kind of physical symptoms as much, and may inspire you to try being in social situations without the medications at all.

4 Name: Anonymous : 2009-11-13 03:24 ID:xQXy6bXH

The thing is, I blushed maybe once or twice a YEAR before. After one time the other day, now it happens about once or twice a day. But thanks for the advice, it's actually toned down a bit theses last few days.

5 Name: Anonymous : 2009-11-16 01:32 ID:gkaX8pu3

  1. Take cold showers. The whole shower doesn't have to be cold, just at least half a minute or so.
  2. Build cardio-vascular endurance. At least 30 minutes a day. Try running/jogging, walking (or a mix of the prior two if your not in good shape- i.e. run or jog for a minute, walk for five, and so on), or tai chi or whatever.

By doing these two things, you lessen sensitivity and decrease negative stress, which are the causes of your blushing problem.

6 Name: Anonymous : 2009-11-17 19:25 ID:3oZcY1ms

It's true, exercising will help A LOT.
I used to blush EVERY class when I thought someone was looking in my direction; it didn't matter that I didn't care who they were, male or female I'd blush immediately when before I only blushed once and a while.

After that I started exercising to improve my self image, and began walking every day which lead up to jogging every day. Now I blush only once a week or so, which is SO much better than EVERY class.

So yeah, try exercising.

7 Name: Anonymous : 2009-11-23 13:44 ID:xQXy6bXH

>>5
>>6

Thank you so much guys, I will try this and hope it will work well!

8 Name: Anonymous : 2009-11-23 19:41 ID:nQuxAkXt

THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU! I am posting from college in between classes now so my ID is different.

I power walked and jogged for about 45 minutes this morning, and for the first time I did not blush at all in the class where I usually blush the most!

I was pretty skeptical that something like exercise could help people with anxiety and depression, but now I've experienced it first hand! Exercise is the shit guys thanks so much! I AM HAPPY FOR THE FIRST TIME IN MONTHS!

I guess I had depression too or something because of this, I am just so happy that words cannot describe it.

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