Any advice regarding social anxiety/ phobia - help for sister. Any advice will help. Thanks in advance

Pri — Sat, 30 May 2009 18:50:58 GMT

Hello everyone

I will just come to the point. My sister is in a very bad condition. I really don't know when it started but currently I can not face her. I read few symptoms of Social anxiety and yes they are present in her. My sister has a fair complexion , she's stout but not obese. She always had an inferiority complex which I didn't know until last month when she broke down and told me about it. She is 25 and worked as a teacher last 3 years. Currently she does not even have the confidence to teach. She is scared of looking beautiful, she is scared of going out. she feels people are constantly watching her. She cries all the time and feels that she's a burden on our family. She has nothing to do in life. She has completed her masters and I do not understand why does she thinks so? I took her to a weight loss clinic, we even enrolled but while on my way back home , she started telling me that she doesn't wanna go there. I am her younger sister and trust me she is one of the most wonderful people in the world. I love her so much , I can not see her broken like this.

I would like to tell few more things about her. She had very few friends in school Although her schoolmates consider her as a friendly person. She went to a girls college and made few friends there too. Not much though.

She watches tv most of the time as she is scared alone. Even while watching tv, the fear is there. Earlier she used to cry alone and act normal in front of us. But a month back when she told me about her experience in a new school where she is teaching, she started crying. I was surprised to know that some of her colleagues used to make fun of her because of her plain looks.

She feels she has got no goal in life and I am so helpless right now, I can;t tell you. Please anyone help me out. Advice me what should I do or a good Psychiatrist. I am from New Delhi, India.

RE: Any advice regarding social anxiety/ phobia - help for sister. Any advice will help. Thanks in advance

Sparky's Mom — Sat, 30 May 2009 19:13:13 GMT

Hello, Pri, Your sister has more than just social anxiety. She seems to also have a depression disorder. Depression and anxiety go hand in hand. Have your sister make an appointment with a psychiatrist, where she can be properly diagnosed. The doctor may put her on some medications to help her get better. She also needs to find a real good counsellor. Talk therapy with a good counsellor will do her a world of good. I wish the best for both of you.

Sparky's Mom

RE: Any advice regarding social anxiety/ phobia - help for sister. Any advice will help. Thanks in advance

Pri — Sat, 30 May 2009 20:49:43 GMT

Thanks a lot Ma'm. I emailed a Psychiatrist today, I am hoping for her response. I hope I get some response soon and the therapy works for her. I am really scared because she's losing hope with every passing day. I think I need to be stronger. Thanks again .