Fear of people
I have social anxiety and that is kind of the reason why I do not have alot of friends. I don't really like talking to people or speaking my mind cause I am afraid of what people might think of me. I also don't like leaving my house and going to public places, If only i could wear a paper bag over my head everytime I left our house I would do it but then I think people would look at me more which is what I do not want. I do not like people looking at me and I prefer going to places with very few people. Pretty much as I am typing this I am doubting whether or not I should post this because I am scared of what people might think of me and I am scared of interacting in any forms with people but I think this is one step in overcoming my fear of people and interacting with them.
@eris7912
Worry not. For once this is a legit fear.
People ARE mean...
@eris7912
Well Eris, I definitely agree that posting your problems relating to your social anxiety on the 7 cups anxiety forum is a step in the right direction.
Firstly, social anxiety is something that everyone faces to different extents. Obviously you are experiencing at a very intense extent. You feel tremendous anxiety around people and you even feel like you are somewhat ashamed around them.
Secondly, it is important you know that you shouldn't isolate or even try to run from the problem. It is kind of like giving yourself drugs if you are an addict. It only makes it worse.
Thirdly, as I said you are already one step in the right direction. To stop social anxiety you are going to have to take a lot of different measures, but the most important is obviously increasing the amount of social interaction you have daily. It might not make the situation better but it prevents it from getting worse.
I suggest at this point two main things: read our social anxiety guide(it is a very big help): https://www.7cups.com/social-anxiety/ The second thing is to seek support whether it is from a mental health professional, a friend, a member of family or a trained active listener here at 7 cups to figure out how to best beat your social anxiety moving forward: https://www.7cups.com/BrowseListeners/
Best wishes,
Prio.
@eris7912
Welcome! Im Lizzy and Im currently a trained listener and intern. I hope you find what you are looking for here in 7 Cups. Please feel free to message me whenever. I will usually reply within the day and if Im online, you should expect a reply straight away! I specialise in anxiety, panic attacks and loneliness mostly but you are always free to message me for other reasons!
https://www.7cups.com/15248074
You know no matter what age, what group, what social status, there will always be those people in a group that feed off others insecurities. it is hard to call all the people you know friends, but it does make it a lot easier if u choose youre friends carefully instead of just going with whatever pack happens to surround you. People arent all bad, just the ones who follow the crowd:)