That Time of Year Again

[Shamar]

I just realized that Social Season is once again upon us. Or at least me. Those of you who have been around for a few years may be familiar with this situation. For those that are not, here goes. I suffer from social phobia (think social anxiety on steroids), anthrophobia (fear of people, especially crowds), and an inability to form bonds or connections with people. I also suffer from extreme loneliness. The season from Halloween until after New Year's is especially troublesome. The emphasis on friendship, socializing, and family is like a continuous slap on the face, every day for over two months. It hurts.

Last year was the first year I was able to get through it without antidepressants (I take St John's Wort, it works well for me), and it was all because of the support from this forum, the closest thing to friends I have or have ever had. I want to thank in advance everyone here who I know will be there for me. I may not specifically ask for anything, but simply knowing you are there is an incredible help.

Thank You.

 

[Neonatal RRT]

I can empathize and sympathize with your situation... and I don't even have social or anthrophobia. In my situation, whether we are the ones entertaining family or we are visiting during the holidays... my wife's family is finally understanding that my "social battery" is rather small. I am bound to my wife... and her battery is lot larger than mine... so I have to be there. The positive thing is that my wife's family consists of intelligent people having intelligent conversations... often things I am interested in. The negative thing is I really struggle with group conversation and the whole social environment, so I find myself in another room within earshot, not participating. This has been going on for decades and they are just used to it. They know of my autism diagnosis... they have some limited understanding of what that means.

For me, it's about pacing myself and finding moments for self-imposed "time out".

 

[717]

I wish for me it was just 2 months... people in this place party for everything all year round... the summer, the independence, the football, the start of school, the end of school, the birthdays, the weddings, the funerals, the elections, the snow, the end of the snow, the cows... it is endless... everything is an excuse to gather together and mostly gossip.