Social Anxiety
I don't know why but everytime I'm around a lot of people even if it's family like cousins I go into a panic state and I don't know why. Interactions with people can be scary for me and my family thinks it's funny to force me into having those interactions because they say it'll help but it makes it worse. My family does not believe in social anxiety so I don't know how to help it. Does anyone have any advice for me?
@sunflowers777 I’m really sorry you’re feeling this way, and it’s tough when your family doesn’t understand or respect what you're going through. Social anxiety can be incredibly overwhelming, especially when you're constantly pushed into situations that make you uncomfortable. It's frustrating when your family doesn’t seem to understand that forcing you into these interactions only makes it worse, not better. You shouldn't have to constantly explain that this approach is harmful. They need to respect your boundaries and stop trying to force you into situations that worsen your anxiety. Your feelings are valid, and you deserve to be treated with more consideration and understanding.
In the meantime, it can be useful to take small steps to manage your anxiety—perhaps starting with shorter, less overwhelming interactions and focusing on grounding techniques like deep breathing or quietly stepping away if you need a moment. If it’s possible, maybe talking to a therapist who understands social anxiety could give you more tools to cope and find ways to communicate your needs to your family. You deserve to feel heard and supported, and it’s okay to take your time with these things ❤️
