Social Anxiety vs Social Awkwardness

Social Anxiety vs Social Awkwardness

by aidyl93

It’s been about a week since changing the dosage of Celexa from 10mg to 20mg. Tonight I’m actually going to push the time I take it back a bit. When I was on the 10mg I didn’t really get that drowsy. I think I would a little bit, but I would drink a cup of coffee and be just fine. I was noticing this week it seemed like I was pretty tired, and I think it’s because the higher dosage has a bigger impact on that side effect, and just coffee wasn’t cutting it!

Tonight (and hereafter) I’m going to take it at 10 PM instead of 8 PM. I don’t want to take it too much later than that, even though I stay up quite a bit later than that, because on the weekends I work, or if I get scheduled for a morning shift, I’ll have to go to sleep at 10 and don’t want to have to take my meds early or set an alarm to take them later. We’ll see how taking them at ten differs, or if it even does!

We upped the dosage because I was still having anxiety, and because my motivation and energy levels hadn’t really gone up. I think pushing the time back will help me better determine if my levels are going up again. So far I’m not really sure if they have been or not.

I’ve always been a little awkward in social settings. I’m a great listener, but for some reason I’m not very good at small talk. I don’t know what to do with my hands, or I second guess myself in saying something, and end up with a goofy look on my face saying nothing at all and just make the whole thing more awkward than it already is! Putting anxiety into the mix only makes things worse. Then not only am I acting totally weird and awkward, I’m also petrified to be there in the first place!

I realized the other day that even if the Celexa helps my anxiety, it isn’t going to help my awkwardness. Which is kind of upsetting. I think I was subconsciously thinking the anxiety and awkwardness went hand-in-hand, but really I’m just awkward. I’m hoping the anxiety goes away, and it seems like it maybe has eased up a bit. However, I’m just as awkward as ever. So now I’m thinking maybe I should get a “How to Not Be Socially Awkward for Dummies” book. Do they even have one like that? Those are my thoughts for today, does anyone else suffer from social awkwardness or have any suggestions/tips or self-help books for me? I’m open to anything! 🙂 I hope everyone’s week is off to a great start.

15 thoughts on “Social Anxiety vs Social Awkwardness”

  1. I think how we view ourselves is mostly completely different in the eyes of others. I’m suspecting you’re pretty hard on yourself. As for the Celexa…Oye! I was never told to take it at night, so I was taking it before work in the morning. I had to nap during my lunch hour! Hope you find a balance because those night time hours are the best!

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    1. That’s true, just like how hearing your voice played back is so odd! I probably am too hard on myself, thank you. 🙂 Geez that wouldn’t be fun having to nap on the lunch hour, but I definitely see where you would need to! I’m surprised they didn’t suggest taking it at night at all. I’m hoping to find the balance too, or else get used to the amount, because you’re absolutely right the night hours are the best! 🙂

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      1. yes I think so!! After my years in Saudi I find I feel very awkward in social settings and tend to stay back, not talk. I am an extrovert and never had this trouble so people think it is easy for me. It really is not! Your blog is wonderful!!!

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      2. You’re too kind, Lyn. 😀 Thank you. I completely understand that; Lucas is also an extrovert but still has some trouble in certain situations. Just because you’re an extrovert doesn’t mean you naturally have it together! I think I’m realizing it’s difficult for everyone in some way or another, and just getting out and doing what makes us uncomfortable will help to make that feeling go away.

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  3. I also have felt awkward in social settings to the point of avoiding social situations. I eventually forced myself into these situations and started to overcome the awkwardness by being myself and not thinking about what other people thought of me. I believe this was my issue, I was always concerned what people were thinking about me. This is difficult to overcome and my suggestion is to get out there and put yourself in those situations. Hope your day is a happy one! 🙂

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    1. Thank you so much for the feedback!! 🙂 I think that’s my biggest problem too; I’m afraid I’ll look foolish or say something that will make people go “huh” if that makes sense. I think that is probably what I’ll have to do – just go out there until I can overcome it! Thank you for sharing with me, I feel better knowing I’m not the only one who’s experienced this. 🙂

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      2. Very good point; I think it’s probably something that will always need worked on. I have been trying to speak up more at work, or insert a comment where appropriate, and lo and behold I’ve actually been talked to and not ridiculed! 🙂 Just going out there and doing it is the best medicine I’m beginning to see.

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  4. I’ve always admired those people who are so outgoing and can make small talk on a whim. I suck at it. I never know what to say, so I just sit there and smile. I don’t know how you overcome that, maybe just get out and practice? If you find a book like that, definitely let me know, hehe!! As for the drowsiness, you’ll adjust and get used to that amount eventually. Or you’ll be taking daily cat naps, 😀 … (I prefer the cat naps myself, 😉 )

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    1. I’m so glad to hear I’m not the only one!! I too just sit there and smile, and nod when appropriate. 😉 Hah, if I find the book first I’ll definitely let you know! Well it sounds like awkward situations and napping for me in the future! 🙂 Thank you for your input on this, as always. 😀

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