Wednesday, August 02, 2006

White Rabbit

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I ran some errands on my lunch hour today. Dumb idea as it was so hot I could smell the burning rubber from the other cars’ tires and that hot rust smell from the other cars’ hoses through my car’s air conditioner. As I waited for the chill to increase, I turned on the radio to take my mind off of the queasiness. Heat and humidity make me sick to my stomach.

I listened to a Stones song; I don’t remember which one because I really don’t like them. When that was over, a commercial came on.

The announcer asked, “Do you feel uncomfortable in crowds or at large parties. Are you afraid of public speaking? Do you get uncomfortable when someone watches you read or write?”

I answered, “Yes,” to all of these in-depth and penetrating questions.

The man said, “If you answered yes to these questions, then you may have Social Anxiety Disorder.”

He said, “You can participate in a study in which you will be given a new anxiety drug to alleviate these debilitating symptoms.”

Gosh, I just thought I was a little shy. But, he made it sound really bad. Do you think I should do it?

9 comments:

  1. Unless you have multiple panic attacks when it comes to being around other people... I'd say no. My vote is that you're a little bit shy.

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  2. hahahahahaha.NO
    http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/health/4808090.stm

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  3. Hmm I knew someone who actually had what was termed as "social shyness". He froze up when going out with anyone of the opposite sex, became terrified, eyes darting, hands sweating...now he had a problem.

    You just sound like a normal person. Did you know that on average people fear public speaking more than they fear death?

    What do you think they'll find a drug for next?

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  4. Hell No! You are just as human as anyone else and I personally dont feel its any kind of disorder!

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  5. DCMM: Only a little.

    CECCG: Definitely not a result I would want. I often wonder who participates in these trials and how well they are supervised.

    Mr. Fab: Yes, evil. The drugs I get from my neighbor, being home made, are best (Geez, Big Brother, they are old people in need of an extra income. Leave them alone.)

    Q: I'd guess No.

    Jenn: Now that is a devasting response, but studies have shown that even on such servere symptoms, behavior modification works best and the results last. You hit on the point I was making: there's a drug for everything now a days.

    Grey: Thanks.

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  6. Yes, in fact, behaviour modification did help in his case. In fact, doing the thing he feared the most helped him to cross over to the other side...from acute social anxiety to emotional fuckwittage (A Bridget Jones term, highly scientific, I assure you).

    No need for drugs, what are we trying to medicate against, ourselves?

    Although I wouldn't say no to a few sleeping pills.

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  7. "Do you think I should do it?" I read that and immediately thought, "Who is this posting on Vanessa's blog? I knew you didn't need the answer to that question.

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  8. Jenn: I love Bridget. The easiest solution is not always the best solution. and before anyone tries to castrate me, I know drugs can work miracles for some people. I am talking about the people I personally know who stubb their toes and want a pain pill or those that get looked at cross eyed and need a happy pill. Life sucks, deal with it. You'll be better off. You'll be happier and healthier. When the bird flu hits, you won't be immune to antibiotics and they will work better. Oh, sorry, was I ranting?

    Quilly: Yeah, I guess I already have an opinion as the above proves.

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  9. i suffer from that too, but i don't need experimental drugs - 3 jager bombs usually do the trick.

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