Feels embarrassing to say this
21 years old and I still have problems going outside. I feel uncomfortable in my own skin walking around. I just feel like an outsider among everyone. I hate that I feel this way because it just doesn’t go away, I’ve tried being out in the open and it’s just the same thing. I’ll get anticipatory anxiety just thinking about having to go outside later that day. This needs to stop because I’m supposed to get a job, and I can’t freak out in the middle of it. I feel like my emotions are controlling me. I can’t push myself to do it sometimes.
@Aycohan
"I feel like my emotions are controlling me."
Yep. And it feels so painful and you just want it to go away. I don't know how to make my own pain go away with anxiety, so I don't have any specific advice. But have you tried little steps? Just open the door and stand in the door and look outside. And when that is comfortable enough, take a few steps out and stand there. And then just a little each day until you can feel comfortable.
We all have to take baby steps. I know we want to feel good all at once, immediately, but that's unrealistic, so we have to do it in little steps, and slowly ease the pain.
@Aycohan
Thank you for sharing how you're feeling! I want you to know that you're not alone in this. It can be incredibly tough when every time you go outside, you feel like an outsider and experience that anticipatory anxiety. That constant discomfort and worry about what might happen can be really overwhelming.
It sounds like you’re doing everything you can to push through, even when it feels like your emotions are taking control. Just acknowledging what you're feeling and reaching out here shows a lot of strength, and it's okay that things aren't easy right now. Many people experience similar struggles, and sometimes just knowing that others understand can make a difference.
Please remember that you're not alone in this, and it’s okay to take things one step at a time. Thank you again for sharing your experience, it helps others feel less isolated too.
@Aycohan You’re not alone. What you’re feeling is valid, and it’s okay to take things step by step. Even just acknowledging this takes strength — be kind to yourself, you’re doing your best.
Hello there, Aycohan!
Firstly, I want to give you a round of applause for sharing your fear and problem on a public platform. It is a big step in it self for sitselfelf asome itselfes. Secondly, I can relate as I myself have felt like an outsider countless times. It feels uncomfortable and lonely, but maybe whwhat youo different from others can be your strength. As an extrovert, I generally don't fear from going out and meeting people but at times, it is a scary experience for me too. Self doubt and other kinds of questions come flooding my brain and clogging my thinking. It is impossible toSelf-doubt those questions and feelings. But, it is best to not let them take over you. THose uneasy and queasy feelings are important too but never let them overpower. Start taking small and one step at a time. Try going out for short walks with someone you feel comfortable with and then starting taking bigger challenges and in no time you will see progress. I will come gradually and at some days you might be up for it and some days you might want to take a step back. And it's alright if ever want to take a break in between to catch up.
Hope this helped you! I tried my best and hope to hear your thoughts and progress!
Cheers!
Hi, this book will be helpful overcoming anticipatory anxiety by Sally M Winston.