Is There A Cure For Blushing?

[nailit]

Just been in a meeting with about a dozen others. I have social anxiety and a year ago would not even have put myself in the position of been in a room with a dozen others. However ive tried to move on as the prospect of spending the rest of my life hardly going out not very enticing. Since the meeting was about coping with various 'mental health' issues (anything from anxiety and depression to schizophrenia) I felt ok been there, with others, who have experienced the same. Towards the end though we all had to talk about ourselves...something Ive always hated in groups... and when it was my turn my face could have given off enough heat to power a city. I'm even colouring up writing this and thinking about it.
Are there any kind of tips or tricks to stop yourself from blushing?

[nailit]

and before anyone quotes Mark Twain's quip that man is the only animal that blushes or needs to blush, Im already aware of that quote...thanks

[kvalidir]

We had a guy at one of my acting classes who suffered from social anxiety, the idea being I think that if he could learnt to project a persona not exactly him but very close, he would feel less anxious. He stayed for about 8 classes and did seem to chill out whilst he was there- not sure if that would appeal to you, as meeting the acting class would probably be stressful in itself but it's a thought.

[sandyRoe]

Sometimes people have in their minds a 'them against me' situation. In a meeting like the one you've mentioned that's not going to be the case. Everyone there would probably be for you and wanting you to do well.
I would try to bring them onto my side (in my own mind, at least) by telling the group I was not used to speaking in public and being the centre of attention. That could really take the heat out of the situation.

[Buenchico]

"I always take blushing either for a sign of guilt, or of ill breeding"
- William Congreve, 'The Way of the World', 1700
;-)

See here:
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Blushing/Pages/Treatment.aspx

[nailit]

kvalidir, oh my! That would be my worst nightmare, lol.
Sandy, ive no doubt that everyone there WAS in my corner, still didnt stop me wanting the ground to open up and swallow me though.
Buen, never heard that quote before, must be the guilt then,,,

[sandyRoe]

Nailit, I should have added in my post: ...not used to speaking in public and being the centre of attention and I find it very embarrassing.
I don't know why that helps but it does.

[nailit]

I found it such an ordeal that I just sank 2 cans of Tennants super. God, there must be an end to this??? Got a feeling that my posts from now on are going to become more incoherrant as the evening progresses. If so please ignore me.

[dunnitall]

Nailit, I'm one for the different approach. Are you still nervous of speaking to anyone on a one to one basis, as in at the supermarket or similar check out? If you are then start there....just a few quips or words that will get someone to reply will start to help build your confidence. Start small, aim large....just out yourself up to speak to one or two people and don't think too hard about it, just try and if they are strangers then it's easier to walk away if you feel anxious at the time. Once you start to feel at ease then eventually the blushing will subside IMO but it's practise and practise until you feel more able to cope. Good luck I hope you can do it.

[The Builder]

No one's going to ignore you, Nails. Stand up proud and be a prat like the rest of us. ;o)

I've been doing it my whole life.

[nailit]

Sandy, I agree. Wish I'd said something at the time. Dont know why some people think that everyone else is just like them. IE, I can speak in public so why cant you? Never been my 'bag'...I hate speaking in public.

[ladybirder]

And there's me always thought it was attractive and endearing when someone blushed and a sign someone was a little shy. I didn't realise it was so distressful for the blushee:-(

[shoota]

Just imagine everyone present is stark naked......

[nailit]

dunnitall, Im ok on a one to one basis...stranger at the bus stop etc,...just cant handle groups of strangers (or for that matter groups of people that I know)
The Builder, LOL, so have I mate.

[The Builder]

Seriously though, Nails, I've been a professional depressive most of my life. I'm totally in awe of people who can be instantly, naturally, happy.

Some of us have to work at it. Well worth it though :o)

[nailit]

ladybirder, its excruciating. I was asked a few years ago to say a few words at my friends funeral (we had been mates since school over 30 yrs ago) and I couldnt do it as much as I wanted. In fact just been at the 'function' afterwards was hell, just wanted to get back home and away from everyone.
Shoota, lol, yeah I've been given that advice before. Didnt think of it today.

[nailit]

Not on my own then Builder????

[The Builder]

Haha ... step one on the journey ........... realising that you're not alone :o)))

[ladybirder]

I don't blush but I wouldn't be able to do that either nailit. My legs wouldn't hold me up and my voice would let me down:-( I could write a good speech for someone else to deliver though.

[nailit]

Ladybirder, one of my greatest regrets, just wished I'd done it in spite off my anxiety. Going red in the face etc, a small price to pay.
The Builder, I promise that from now on i'll stop seeing myself on my own and start seeing myself as been a prat,(like the rest of us) lol.

[Elina]

Hi nailit, not going out distances you from interacting with people, so easy to stay where you're at & not face things. I've suffered social anxiety in the past & never realised it. I would be glad if the weather was bad & I'd be able to hide under an umbrella 'my prop' so to speak. I would e invited out at work & say yes, then back out nearer the time & invent some excuse. I would drink like you to take the edge off the panic I would go through. I think my social anxiety was down to being on my own for great periods of time, bringing two children up & then when I did 'earn' .. I chose to clean privately for people, so one to one. When I eventually decided to get in to main stream work I went for my first interview, got the job & then backed out! What I'm saying is, long periods of time not interacting with people or just going out your front door will keep you where your at now. You really do need to force yourself out, even at quieter times of the day that are easier to deal with. Do you have a dog as a companion to take for a walk? To answer your question on blushing, I found imagining physically stopping that rising heat to just below my neck worked for me. Kind of concentrating on the heat staying at chest level.