Suggest Treatment For Social Anxiety Disorder
As an only child, my childhood memories are partly a blur. My memories seem far too negative. I don’t know where to start, but I feel as though my parents have a lot to do with my current issues. I feel embarrassed to talk on the phone. My mother has always been domineering and my father has turned out to be a transvestite – always weak to my mother’s commands.
I’m desperate to understand as to why I feel so violated.
My mother seems to play mrs. Perfect, never at fault, always in the right. My father has a very weak personality, as stated, he came out later as a transvestite. He even went out in my street and caused the police to be called – this is how I found out. My mother has fallen out with her sister and brother, also mother. The brother is an alcoholic and near death. My mother and father have no friends.
I’ve seen my mother Rage, anger, nasty, over what I would call trivial things.
Obviously, I feel as though I need to understand what I need to do in life. This just seems all wrong.
I feel as though my life has become controlled and partly ruined, yet I do not know who is responsible. My mother can make an enemy of anyone, maybe it be a neighbour or family member. My dad accepts my mother’s views.
My parents support me when it comes to food and living. My mother has OCD, according to physiatrists. I feel the need for answers. Something about my life feels really off. There is something wrong.
I feel as though I am treading on egg shells with my mother, this is why I’ve become unable to socialise. My mother appears nice, but anything to do with the family she has fallen out with, then it can become an issue.
It’s hard to even explain this scenario. But I really do need some answers and advice. My upbringing hasn’t set me out very easily, genetics or otherwise.
It's as though I'm now in a position where I should either be on one side or the other (of the family). I really need advice here. I'm fed up of having to accept this idea that everyone else is against my mother (the cause of my social anxiety).
family counseling/therapy may help
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
I read your history twice and can understand your feelings. You have passed very difficult phase of life. Sometime we cannot determine that what has ruined life. There are multiple social, environmental, genetic and situational factors which are responsible for distress and psychological problems.
In your case problem of your parents have likely affected your brought up and development which in turn affects your personality and psychological make-up.
Your social anxiety can be part of social anxiety disorder or some kind of personality problem.
For diagnosis detail history and mental status examination are required to be done by a psychiatrist.
Considering history I feel whole family should be evaluated and family psychotherapy may help to address family issues apart from individual psychological problem.
Can you tell me what are the psychological/physical symptoms you have at present? And since when are you suffering from each symptom?
(For example -Sad mood, lack of interest in routine/pleasurable activities, weeping/crying spells, hopelessness, reduce appetite, excessive fatigue or weakness, lack of concentration, sleep disturbances, death wishes, suicidal ideas are symptoms of depression: among these symptoms which are there in your case and since when? Please narrate briefly.)
Hope I have answered your query, I will be happy to help further.
Regards,
Dr.Chintan Solanki.