Agoraphobia
I used to be terrified of any kind of social interaction - from group work in school, to casual chit-chat with one of my classmates. I've been getting over that fear recently.
However one thing that I can't seem to triumph is my fear of crowds. If it's an oral presentation, I can usually manage because I know that I have to do it. But if whether or not I stand out is my choice, and my choice alone? I avoid it like the plague.
I don't like standing out in any way shape or form. Speaking in public, making loud sudden noises (accidently dropping something) , and especially dancing.
I always feel as though I need to keep my head down, as to remain invisible to everyone around me. It's as if I'm in an exam room, and I will fail "the test" by simply looking at anybody around me.
I guess deep down, I just have this fear of being judged. and I mean, it really shouldn't matter in classes of 30+ people. It's not really possible to be liked by everybody.
i had this
I struggle with this too. What I found that helped me was to remind myself that most people are so inside their own heads (thinking, planning), or absorbed by who they're with that they hardly even notice other people. I found this to be especially true in public settings such as restaurants or malls.
That mentality has helped me get over my fear of presenting a concept to a room of people. In a school setting, most of the listeners are bored students who couldn't care less about what you have to say. and so I don't really think much of them anymore.However,I still tend to avoid groups of friends. (again, in a class setting) . I feel like an intruder. Someone who is unwelcome amongst their circle.
I'm sure that it's just a bit of irrational thinking on my part, but I can never really be sure. Most people will be nice, regardless of what they truly think of you. It's that lack of understanding that really frightens me. I want people to be straight up with me - I can take some criticism. Though, it appears that itis unconventional to do that.
I have this as well. Started with depression and then this and avpd..
I feel the same way. I'm 21 and my mother is beginning to call me a "hermit" because I'm most comfortable and functional at home and it's dehumanizing.
