Is it normal for me to feel extremely anxious, even to walk into a small group of people?
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Last Updated: 03/22/2022 at 5:00pm
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First things first, I don't think you can describe anything as normal. What's 'normal' for one person is completely abnormal for someone else. Only you know how you feel and there is no right or wrong way to feel. I'm sure for a lot of people it is normal to feel anxious in this situation, I think it depends a lot on where you are on the scale between introverted and extroverted. The main thing to remember is that it is okay to feel anxious about things, everyone reacts to situations differently and their feelings can't often be controlled. So don't be put off about how you feel and certainly try not to let it hold you back.
What's normal? Our boundaries of normal are usually perspectives created by other people. It's all about what is normal for you. From experiance the less you worry and think about situations that make you feel this way the less they will effect you. If it is something you feel you need to overcome then taking small steps and building up to situations that make you anxious can help. Say for example large groups make you feel anxious... Start with meeting people in quieter atmospheres ( a small coffee shop with just one friend or family member) Then build it very gradually to meeting more people at once or still one person but in a slightly busier area (shopping centre). Taking smaller steps can help your body adjust and feel comfortable with situations without putting it under too much pressure. :)
Yes. It sounds like social anxiety. Lots of people suffer from it and you're not alone. There are resources to help you on here under the self help guides for anxiety
Of course it is. You might been facing a depression problem or maybe a self-esteem one. You should visit some expert and ask for being tracked on your behaviour. People who has never had social interaction or too little of it find it hard to face it. Keep calm, it is normal. You just need to keep on going and try to be a little confident with yourself. I trained myself by entering shops and asking something, then walk away without buying anything because I had some problems facing people and I felt almost always obligued to buy something.
Anonymous
May 4th, 2015 10:47pm
Yes, it is normal to feel anxious even in a small group of people. Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways. But it's the way that you deal with it that really counts. Everyone will eventually find a way to cope with anxiety or even reduce it. It takes more time for some people but you will get there.
Anxiety is a common mental ailment, but nothing you should feel ashamed of. However, if it's so bad that you feel very uncomfortable within a small group of people (and I can relate; again, it's not some rare, freakish disease), then you may want to reach out to someone and seek help. Try looking over the Self Help Anxiety Guide.
that's absolutely normal. Sometimes if we've suffered trauma in our past it might make the feeling of being exposed to a group of people really difficult. Social anxiety is real and can be really hard to navigate. you are not alone! The feeling of being exposed and in the view of others in a group can be overwhelming and really stressful. The key here is working on your self esteem and knowing that you are good enough and important no matter what. Always taking care of yourself is the most important thing. Never do anything that makes you feel stressed.
Yes, it is totally normal and you are valid. I feel anxious initiating a chat or approaching people in general which has made a LOT of misconceptions and problems in school. I couldn't ask help. I couldn't make a comment. Heck, I couldn't even recite or contribute during group projects because I feared people's reactions (because I was hypersensitive to them). It is valid, but if it is affecting your life and success, please consider getting help. What helped me was actually educating myself about mindset and learning mindfulness tools combine with emotionally healthy and mature friends (who I met after transferring schools). You can find solutions and we're all cheering for you!
This is most likely Social Anxiety. I have it too, it sucks. You should go to your family doctor and tell them what’s going on and they can diagnose you.
Many people feel anxious at different times of their lives. At this time, you feel anxiousness triggered by groups of people. That's OK. It isn't how you'll feel for always.
For me it kind of depends on the situation. If I know them then not really, but if it's a bigger group, not completely comfortable with the situation, or just don't know anyone, sure, I get anxious. It also depends on how I've been feeling that day.
sounds like you have social anxiety....yes its completely normal for a person with social anxiety to feel anxious to do anything involving "people and interactions"
Social anxiety is actually more common than people think. It's important to not push yourself too much, stick to feeling comfortable and safe around the people you meet. If you've known them for a while, maybe you'll feel better if they know about your anxiety so they don't accidentally make it worse. Stepping out of your comfort zone for a bit might help, but make sure you don't make the anxious feeling worse. Other people might not understand how you're feeling, but you should learn how to cope with your anxiety and not try to fit in with other people. Once you know your boundaries, you'll feel better in social situations, and know what to avoid. Just because not everybody experiences social anxiety doesn't mean it's not normal; you just have to put a bit more work in yourself and your relationships.
Yes anxiety is a normal human emotion. We all feel anxious sometimes. Sometimes our anxiety helps us, sometimes it hurts us. If you anxiety is lasting a long time, you should talk to someone about it.
Anonymous
January 4th, 2016 7:34am
It is definitely normal to feel anxious or uncomfortable but this can be easily resolved when it becomes a consistent routine to make you feel comfortable
Everyone can experience anxiety at some point in their lives. For example when i started my new job I didn't know anyone and went into the staff room for lunch and i was anxious ,but I then sat down and introduced myself and turned out other people were feeling that way too.So you are not alone .
What we mark as normal changes widely, so it can be perfectly normal for you to feel such anxiety. Does this mean it's healthy? Probably not. Does it make you a weirdo? Not at all. Most people get anxious in social settings, but some of us suffer from it more acutely than others: some get panic attacks, some can't even get out of home because of the fear.
If it is something you would like to change, as many of us do, try your best to take it slow: it won't help if you put yourself in situations so stressing that send you spiraling into uncontrollable anxiety. One step at a time, one day at a time, slow but steady.
And never feel bad for not going as fast as you'd like: we usually have higher expectations than we can achieve, and it's those same expectations that keep us from succeeding!
Find your pace, and your peace can follow soon after.
For me I thought that it wasn't normal because I would get so nervous and my heart would beat everytime I walked into a room. I realized that I had extreme social anxiety and I still struggle with it today.
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