Is it normal to feel more anxious when you're alone?
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Last Updated: 04/17/2022 at 6:09pm
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I think it is because you don't really have much to distract yourself with. Well, nothing that's as good of a distraction as other people are. It allows you to focus in on all the things that make you anxious. Like, "Oh my god! Did I really say that specific thing in that one conversation I had last week? Ridiculous!" Or "What if I fail that one test and then I just go down the rabbit-hole and continue failing and end up failing in life as a whole and end up dying sad and pathetic?!" That's how it is for me anyway, so I think it's totally normal.
Any experience is valid. I know lots of people who are more anxious alone then in crowds. Anxiety is different for everybody and no one has the same experience as another.
Anonymous
June 17th, 2018 2:47pm
Yes, it is. When you're alone your mind tends to focus on that fact alone. Then you begin to feel a little anxious because of the blank presence that your body feels like it needs. So yes, it is normal.
Yes, because you don’t have anyone to comfort you. Having someone else around makes you feel more safe and supported.
Yes especially if you're the type to want to have someone to always be there for you. It's perfectly fine
It’s definitely normal to feel more anxious when you’re alone because I guess it makes you focus on your thoughts more. This happens to me a lot.
I think it depends on the situation as well as the individual as, for example it may be more anxiety inducing being alone doing something new compared with being alone at home or traveling to school or work which you are used to doing
Anonymous
June 22nd, 2018 9:31pm
It is! When you're with others, you keep your mind busy with dialogue, and that sort of pushes anxiety away.
Anonymous
June 24th, 2018 10:04am
Yeah. We're social creatures. We need others and we always find comfort in their company. So it's normal to fell that way when you feel like you're alone. What you have to do is reach out to someone, make a contact. Talk, feel, touch.
Yes it is. Your mind can run through many thoughts when you are alone and not occupied with company. It can cause you stress.
It's kinda normal, but there's a lot of ways to reduce your anxiety with activities such as watching tv, read book and others
I think people tend to feel more anxious when they're alone because you have the time to think more. You aren't distracted by other people and other things going on, so it makes sense that you might start overthinking during those times.
It’s more than normal. When you’re alone, you’re left with your own thoughts and they can be pretty dangerous sometimes.
Yes it is when you’re alone you’re having a rough time you have no idea what to do and that can cause many many people a lot of anxiety just make sure to find someone that can help you through this like talk to your parents
Anonymous
July 6th, 2018 6:17am
Yes, it definitely is normal to feel more anxious when your alone because in a way your thoughts get to you. One second your calm and composed and next your brain fills itself with stressful thoughts.
Anonymous
July 7th, 2018 8:37pm
I understand, we all at times feel this way. It is completely normal. The best advice I can give you is to always keep occupied! Hope this helps.
Anonymous
July 8th, 2018 2:17am
A lot of people feel anxious when they're alone! Sometimes, when we quiet our minds from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be difficult to stop these feelings from creeping in. These feelings can be controlled, however! If you are feeling increased anxiety when you are alone, and it is affecting your mental health, you may want to seek guidance from a therapist.
Anonymous
July 18th, 2018 8:59pm
I think it can be, as it gives you more time to think when everything is quiet. But I have also felt incredibly anxious when surrounded by others, due to social anxiety
Yes, a lot of people feel anxious when they are left alone and a lot of people feel at ease when left alone. Just like some feel anxious around crowds, and some don't mind it at all.
It isn’t normal because there is no normal. Anxiety affects people in many different ways, and loneliness is only one of the many factors that may be more of a trigger for anxiety.
Anonymous
July 26th, 2018 2:58pm
It can be a sign of loneliness, I know I can relate so you're not alone :) But if something happened, just remember to talk to someone about it so you don't carry the stress and burden alone
It is very normal to feel like that because you are more vulnerable when you are alone and can feel unsafe because you have to deal with anything alone.
Of course it is! Being around other people gives you a sense of security and gives you a huge feeling of warmth! Being alone should not be seen as a negative thing, it's sometimes good to be on your own, reflect on thoughts and take time to care for yourself!
Anonymous
August 1st, 2018 8:59am
You think more when you're on your own. It's normal to feel anxious when you think too much. Get yourself a job. The brain can't think of two things at once. Keep your brain busy. Don't worry you're not alone. Most anxious people are like you. This is totally normal!
Yes, that cam be because you may be used to being around people more and when you find yourself alone it may cause you distress. Just remember to breath and remember that it is all going to be okay.
Yes! You can feel very anxious at any point and time and it is very normal. Just make sure you talk to someone, and let your voice be heard.
Sometimes anxiety peaks when we have nothing to distract us, as the anxious thoughts can then escalate.
While people can sometimes trigger anxiety, sometimes they can also sooth it (depending on who they are and your relationship with them). If you're able to, I recommend reaching out to someone you trust (or a stranger here, if that's easier!) if you're struggling by yourself with anxious feelings. Longer term, counselling/therapy may help you to deal with the root causes of your anxiety, and to find ways of dealing with the anxious feelings, both alone and around others.
It is normal, some people have a fear of being alone which could be due to past traumatic experience while being alone or isolated, which can cause you to become anxious while you are by yourself.
Anonymous
August 12th, 2018 4:32pm
Yes, the mind tends to fill with more anxious thoughts because there is less distracting you when you are alone. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed by the anxiety or like you can not deal with it alone then you can try reaching out to a trusted friend or to a listener here on 7cups.
Although not everyone everyone experiences anxiety in the same way, it is perfectly normal to feel more anxious when you are alone. From my experience, I've found that this happened because, when you are alone you can become 'lost in your own thoughts.' The main thing that helped me with this is to try and distract myself when this happens, for example watching TV, reading a book, walking my dog or just trying to get out of the house. I understand this is easier said than done sometimes, however, with practice it can become a useful technique.
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