Social anxiety
I haven’t been diagnosed or anything bc i’m unable to but i have been dealing with some anxiety around other people in skl and public places and it’s negatively affecting my life. I can’t look at people in the face when I’m talking to them bc i feel like they are judging me. I can’t talk to new people bc i just feel uneasy. I can’t eat in front of others as i’m worried people are looking at me. When people laugh i assume they are laughing at me. I hate taking the bus in the morning bc there is so many people. I get anxious crossing the road bc i don’t want the person in the car to get annoyed they have to wait for me to cross. When i speak to some people my throat closes up a bit and my voice goes all croaky. I dislike ordering from restaurants or in public. Does anyone have any tips to help me out and make it a little easier?
Hi @Ali15511, looks like you are going through a challanging time right now.
Dealing with social anxiety can be really tough, as you can experience it in various situations. I went through it too and like you, I'm not diagnosted or anything, so don't worry about that. It's more important how you feel.
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Is there a situation in particular that you feel most on ease?
I'd like to provide you some advice, that helped me relaxing more in public places. Feel free to try it, if you like.
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Let's imagine we are going on a walk together, a regular walk trough some streets that are not much crowded. What do we see? A cyclist, a young familiy a woman jogging, maybe a person walking their dog.
Now focuse on us again. How do we feel? Anxious that we do sth that they think is strange or stupid, I see. All the feelings, let them come to you and notice them. Always remember to breath and keep on walking slowly.
Try to not look at them, if you have some earphones, maybe you listen to some of your favorite music and now focuse on the sounds and tones. Don't look at the others again. Look around and see the buildings or the nature.
Maybe imagine you are the main character in a movie? Brave, curagous, on an important mission, no time to notice the people around you. 🦸♂️
If you don't have music, maybe it's an idea to bring sth with you that you can hold in your hands and focuse on.
It's
important that you are pacient with yourself. It can be challanging to
try these things for the first time, so don't put too much preassure on
you. Also please feel free to reach out to me or any other listener at any time!
I believe in you, you can do this, you're not alone. Please feel hugged.
Take care 😘
@Ali155117 Hey Ali. It sounds like you're very aware of emotions and the emotions of others. I understand your worries and concern. I share some of these feelings. Take deep breathes and try to worry less. You're fine and growing. Use your voice to express yourself. Some days are always better than others. it's ok to mess up or be afraid. You will learn how to overcome these fears. Challenge yourself to face the fears. You're going to be ok. Thank you for telling us. That shows you're brave :)
@Ali155117
Hey Ali.
I'm so sorry to hear that you're going through social anxiety. It is really tough. I have social anxiety too. But I have reduced it a lot by now.
I made a post on overcoming social anxiety for others who are dealing with it too.
https://www.7cups.com/forum/anxiety/SocialAnxiety_247/OvercomingSocialAnxietyAJourneyTogether_332737/
You can check it. I really hope it helps. 💗
Ty Bunny, I appreciate it ❤️
