Anxiety in groups

[QuietNonsense]

I'm not sure how to hand let myself in group. I get quiet, shut down, and running on auotpiolet trying to get through the night. There was an instance where I'm hanging out with coworkers and they were obviously talking about me in front of me but not directly at me and I clamped up. I was fidgeting. Any advice?

[MommyBro]

I greatly sympathize with you. I often feel very similar (similarly?). I had a therapist tell me "act as if", similar to "fake it 'til you make it", which my wonderful 91 year old aunt told me she has successfully lived by throughout her life. Before you join the group think about how you or another person would calmly and successfully participate in the group, then pretend you are that person and behave the way you would wish you could. Research shows you can actually trick/train your brain to make that your new normal.

[Windy101]

I like MommyBro's idea! You might want to consider talking to a counselor about how you feel or looking for a support group in your area where you can talk with a group that you trust.

Best wishes to you for a good new year.