I'm looking into volunteering and I got nauseous just looking

[trying ungracefully]

I don't work because of really bad social anxiety and general anxiety. I want to so I am working towards it because I want to be independent and not rely on anyone like I need to right now.

So the next step with me is volunteering but I don't know if I am ready like I was originally thinking I was. When I was looking I got the anxiety wave in my body and then I got really nauseous. It passed it was just a lot at once.

I know I can take the bus and go places now but when it comes to something that I can't just cancel if I need to or if it's something I am relied on for it makes things a lot harder. I was going out with my grandma and I go out with her often and hang out with her. The last time I woke up with so much anxiety and I felt it throughout my body. With my grandma I never cancel because she gets excited to see me and I don't want to let her down because of my anxiety.

I know I can do this it is just that my body stops me from doing things because of the anxiety I feel. It is a lot easier to not do the thing that gives you anxiety instead of doing the hard thing. I've been slacking on my day time gabapentin so I am going to start taking it again to see if that helps it. It's just so hard to reason with my mind that things can be okay, safe, and fun if I just try.

 

[PugnaEnjoyer2137]

Great that you are trying to take steps into improving lives of others. If I may suggest something, if you're of a good health and eligible look into honorary blood donation, if something like that exists in your country. It is a one-time thing everytime you feel like showing up, so it might be easier for you, and you'd be saving lives at the same time.

 

[LostHighway]

I don't work because of really bad social anxiety and general anxiety. I want to so I am working towards it because I want to be independent and not rely on anyone like I need to right now.

So the next step with me is volunteering but I don't know if I am ready like I was originally thinking I was. When I was looking I got the anxiety wave in my body and then I got really nauseous. It passed it was just a lot at once.

I know I can take the bus and go places now but when it comes to something that I can't just cancel if I need to or if it's something I am relied on for it makes things a lot harder. I was going out with my grandma and I go out with her often and hang out with her. The last time I woke up with so much anxiety and I felt it throughout my body. With my grandma I never cancel because she gets excited to see me and I don't want to let her down because of my anxiety.

I know I can do this it is just that my body stops me from doing things because of the anxiety I feel. It is a lot easier to not do the thing that gives you anxiety instead of doing the hard thing. I've been slacking on my day time gabapentin so I am going to start taking it again to see if that helps it. It's just so hard to reason with my mind that things can be okay, safe, and fun if I just try.

I'm so happy for you that you're choosing to be proactive. Volunteering is an excellent way to start preparing yourself for working a paid job. And it's a good thing to do for your community. So, what are the volunteer opportunities where you live? What do you think you would enjoy doing? Helping animals at a wildlife rehab center, helping out at a charity thrift shop, walking dogs at a humane society, sitting with elders and listening to their stories, helping a political candidate on a campaign, etc etc?

I suggest you try to taper safely off of your daytime use of Gabapentin, if you don't require it for health reasons. It can slow you down mentally.

The good thing about volunteering is that you'll meet other volunteers who felt SUPER nervous when they started. And know that organizations that need volunteers are usually run by kind-hearted people who appreciate their volunteers immensely. And, if there is a Meetup group near you that has activities you enjoy, I strongly recommend you go! That's an excellent way to meet people and help to conquer your social anxiety.

I'm older and we used to call social anxiety shyness. I was shy. People didn't mind my shyness. I did. But I gradually got over it. Now, I'm actually gregarious sometimes when I'm out. I traveled through Europe with a backpack on my own for 6 months, planned two of my high school reunions, started a movie night group and made some lifelong friends from that. One thing that really helped my shyness was getting out of my comfort zone. And then what really helped was starting an SSRI antidepressant. Lord, that saved me. It helps that I love meeting new people. If/when you start meeting with your co-workers, ask them questions and genuinely listen and respond to their answers. They will appreciate your warmth.

Anyway, keep us posted. And, if you can, volunteer in a position that is in the same field as a career you'd like to be in. :)

 

[trying ungracefully]

So, what are the volunteer opportunities where you live?

When I was looking there wasn't too many easy to find near me but I ended up finding four that I could do. Two food banks, a library, and a dog rescue place. I want to do the dog rescue place because I can work inside the shelter and I think it would be the easiest to get me into the swing of doing things.

The good thing about volunteering is that you'll meet other volunteers who felt SUPER nervous when they started.

That's what I am thinking too. Everyone was new at one point and most people aren't extremely confident lol.

And, if there is a Meetup group near you that has activities you enjoy, I strongly recommend you go! That's an excellent way to meet people and help to conquer your social anxiety.

When I have another crochet project to do I am going to try out a crochet group near my house again. I signed up once but didn't go but they seem very sweet there and the owner even has what I think is an emotional support animal.

I'm older and we used to call social anxiety shyness. I was shy. People didn't mind my shyness. I did. But I gradually got over it. Now, I'm actually gregarious sometimes when I'm out. I traveled through Europe with a backpack on my own for 6 months, planned two of my high school reunions, started a movie night group and made some lifelong friends from that. One thing that really helped my shyness was getting out of my comfort zone. And then what really helped was starting an SSRI antidepressant. Lord, that saved me. It helps that I love meeting new people. If/when you start meeting with your co-workers, ask them questions and genuinely listen and respond to their answers. They will appreciate your warmth.

Anyway, keep us posted. And, if you can, volunteer in a position that is in the same field as a career you'd like to be in. :)

Thank you for this <3

 

[LostHighway]

When I was looking there wasn't too many easy to find near me but I ended up finding four that I could do. Two food banks, a library, and a dog rescue place. I want to do the dog rescue place because I can work inside the shelter and I think it would be the easiest to get me into the swing of doing things.

That's what I am thinking too. Everyone was new at one point and most people aren't extremely confident lol.

When I have another crochet project to do I am going to try out a crochet group near my house again. I signed up once but didn't go but they seem very sweet there and the owner even has what I think is an emotional support animal.

Thank you for this <3

You have some good things to look forward to. Some doggies will be happy you're walking them. And, maybe you could just come up with any old crochet project. You could pick something easy like mug cozy or finger puppets, just to get out there to spend time with others. And last thing - if there are any in your area, get out to a free summer concert. Go by yourself like I do. Take pictures, dance! Let's both try to create some summer memories. Keep us posted!

 

[Dinorun]

i volenteer at a dog shalter and it sounds just perfect for you!

you come in and take the dog outside for the trip for just how long you want, you can return him when you had enough and take out another dog or just say you are done for today in that duration because you would be focused on the dog it would ease your anexities and also while there are people around it would mostly be hellos and some small talk but its entirly up to you and the people are very kind about the dogs. its a lot of fun, because im young i like to run with them and take out energy myself and its good for them in the little time they spend outside their cells
its only scary the first 1-2 times but once you are there its normal and becomes just the past

good luck i hope you find a place you will be happy with

 

[Green Destiny]

This might not help much but I got my current job years ago by simply volunteering twice a week. I also was very anxious doing so but the people I worked with were very nice and are always eager for help from people. Obviously only you can decide if and when you feel comfortable to volunteer but I think that given time you'll start to feel less anxious the more you go to volunteer. Good luck either way.