Could this be social anxiety?

robfosters · 31 May 2011 at 13:24

I dont know whether or not I have this. maybe you can help.

I have always gone into pubs no problem. Enjoyed myself in pubs as well. I've been in the odd pub with a bit of trouble, but nothing mad.

However, just after xmas this year, I was in a South London pub. The regulars were in there when a group of gypsies come in. Now i'm not slating gypsies, there;s good and bad in every type of people, but it's well known that they dont mind a bit of bother.

Well, this was one of those nights.

After about 2 hours of heavy drinking, all hell broke loose. Suffice to say there was a fight. I was not involved, but a flying glass narrowly missed me. I hate to admit it, but I was scared. One of the regulars now sports a 4 inch scar down his cheek from a broken bottle.

Ever since then I have had problems going into pubs. As soon as I know i'm going to the pub, I start to feel sick. It doesn't come from the stomach, but is like a gagging sensation in the throat. One of those where you fell like you cant move without being sick.

Eventually I normally am sick and it passes. I can carry on with my evening. I thought it might pass, but after about 3 months, if anything, it's getting worse.

Does this sound like social anxiety to you, or could it be a phobia caused by a bad experience?

I'm nervous about going to the doctors as that means admitting it to my family and it all feels a bit embarrassing. Scared to go the pub at 30

Castiel · 31 May 2011 at 13:26

I don't even know what social anxiety is, but it sounds like you just need to forget about the fight, it happens, you walked away so forget it.

The more you dwell on it the worse it will become.

fastwunz · 31 May 2011 at 13:28

Its quite understandable considering how scray fighting gippos can be.

You sir need to find yourself a nice country pub with an open fire, family, beer garden and a big labrador sat in the corner who comes and wags his tale and says hi.

In south London this may not be possible however.

change pubs.

P.S. you are not crazy and you seem to be scared of being scared if you know what i mean

Vonhelmet · 31 May 2011 at 13:28

That's not social anxiety. That's anxiety from a flying glass narrowly missing you.

And why would you hate to admit being scared of that? I'd have probably pooped myself.

Go see your doctor and get referred to a counsellor if it's really that bad. And you're 30, so why would going to the doctor mean admitting it to your family? Unless your family monitor your every move, in which case you've got bigger problems than gipsy-glass-phobia.

Marky · 31 May 2011 at 13:29

If you're being sick when told about a trip to the pub you definitely need to see a doctor - They will probably refer you to a counsellor of some sort.

sammo62 · 31 May 2011 at 13:29

It could be globus hystericus which is a pretty common symptom of panic/anxiety. It basically feels like your throat is closing up and being blocked even thought its 100% fine.

Deluxe1 · 31 May 2011 at 13:33

Its not social anxiety you have but situational anxiety disorder.

Clum · 31 May 2011 at 13:34

Sounds more like an epic hangover to me

Cosimo · 31 May 2011 at 13:42

Sounds like you need to start a pub fight and get some action yourself.

On a more serious note if you are really getting anxious or panicky then a visit to your GP would be a good idea.

TheMeekon · 31 May 2011 at 13:45

Got to the Doc's, sounds like mild post traumatic stress disorder. I wouldn't call it that as it wasn't like coming back from a warzone but sounds similar. Whatever you do do not let the Doc give you any medication. I am having a nightmare coming off meds that I didn't even need...

Efour · 31 May 2011 at 13:55

Pfft i got in to a nice 5 vs 2 fight in a KFC once after a few beers and some mouthy ***** decided it would be funny to have a go.

You will get over it... Its not nice but dont let it spoil your life.. its may seem it but its really not a big deal

LOAM · 31 May 2011 at 14:01

You need to get a drink down your neck to steady your nerves, goto the pub

.

Cosimo · 31 May 2011 at 14:05

LOAM said:
You need to get a drink down your neck to steady your nerves, goto the pub .

I know this nice quiet pub in South London where thay never have fights.....

Mr Jack · 31 May 2011 at 14:18

Yes, it's worth going to your doctor over it. While a bit of anxiety after a situation like that is normal and to be expected, it does sound like something a bit more. Even if there's nothing amiss the Doc should be able to put your mind at ease.

Smithy0115 · 31 May 2011 at 14:23

I though you weren't allowed to give medical advice on these forums...

Devrij · 31 May 2011 at 14:25

Go to the doc and sort it now, or it will get worse as you slowly convince yourself you can never comfortably go to the pub. Chances are you'll have to go to the pub a couple times a week until you get over it. I used to have terrible anxiety and my therapy mainly involved facing most of it head on, but to make it productive you really ought to see a professional so that you aren't just reinforcing it by mistake. It's horrible anyway, so I hope you get it sorted. Just don't let it grow in the back of your mind, get help

LordSplodge · 31 May 2011 at 14:31

Smithy0115 said:
I though you weren't allowed to give medical advice on these forums...

Apparently giving out psychological advice on here doesn't class as medical advice. Shame as a lot of it is plain wrong, some of it dangerously wrong.

Goes to show how well mental health issues are taken...

Makunouchi · 31 May 2011 at 14:32

vonhelmet said:
Go see your doctor

4p · 31 May 2011 at 14:33

Man up it's not likely to happen again is it.

sanaxe1 · 31 May 2011 at 14:36

OP have lived a very sheltered life? As seeing a fight in a pub which you was not involved in has scared you so much you do not want to go out anymore seems very strange.