So nervous

[Posey3550]

I am very much an introvert. I get nervous around people and feel almost terrified when people look at me. I've found a depression support group the meets twice a month. I want to go, but I'm so scared to. Has anyone here ever gone to a physical meeting? Of strangers? Any advice?

[Strongheartforever]

These realizations have helped me: Don’t fear people. They have their own battles they are fighting. Hard, painful battles just like yours. They’re not preoccupied with judging you. You are preoccupied with judging yourself. Look at other folks as family, as potential friends. Everyone wants a connection, everyone needs another human being even just to chat with in the moment, in the line at the grocery store. Get busy going after your dreams. What you focus on, you become. Forget the introvert stuff. I’m one too. But it’s a label that limits you. Have fun with life, play with life, it’s fleeting, so fleeting!! Even one hundred years is a blip. But if you spend it lonely and fearful it will feel like a thousand years. What empowers you? What is your gift you can share with the world? What is your passion, your purpose? Find out!! Put it into practice. Forget self-consciousness. It’s so boring. Walk away from all the shame. Love yourself. Forgive yourself for wasting all this time choosing fear over love. We all do this until we realize it only hurts us and wastes our life. Your most important relationship in life is with yourself and your quality of life is directly tied to how you communicate with yourself. You’re always with you, your best friend, your sanctuary. Make it a good place to be. The mind runs in negative circles. You must consciously change this and learn from wisdom teachers. Eckhart Tolle calls it the “pain body”. The mind loves to eat up all the misery you can feed it. Unless you live in the moment. Come back into your body, get out of your mind. Mel Robbins says “if you’re in your head, you’re behind enemy lines.” Get busy chasing your dreams and share your heart and soul and connect with other flesh and blood people because you are a very special creature with unique gifts. Your purpose in this life is connection, to help others with your gift, to make someone else’s life better. We are social creatures. Find your tribe. The best way is do what you love and push yourself out of your mind and choose love over fear every time. Your new mantra: love over fear. Find your passion and your purpose. Bring light to every interaction. Blessings!!

[fauxartist in reply to Strongheartforever]

I like this very much: Find your tribe. The best way is do what you love and push yourself out of your mind and choose love over fear every time. Your new mantra: love over fear. Find your passion and your purpose.

[Michael8072 in reply to Strongheartforever]

I have to remember this for myself. As I'm stuck in the fear space but trying to get out of it. I'm still searching for my purpose and passion but I love that mantra! Perfectly said!

[Hidden]

Hi posey3550.

Some time ago I went to a group situation. If it’s your first time and the group has been running previously, perhaps make contact with the organiser and explain. It’s good to have someone there on a first time who is looking out for you. It helps if the organiser is aware..They will understand. At the time I spoke to the organiser, it was arranged for one of the people to meet me and we go in together...perhaps similar could be arranged for you..

Best wishes.

Let us know how it goes.

X

[fauxartist]

yes I have...and honestly....it was the best thing I ever did....just remember the people are there for the same reasons you are....they may even feel the same social anxiety you have. This group is to support those fears and help to overcome and understand them....be brave, and know this may change your life....it did mine....I hope you go...and hope for you that it helps you.....

[Posey3550]

Thank you everyone. I appreciate the advice.

[Marshall64]

I started going to support groups about three months ago. I love them and go about twice a week.

I'm an introvert and am very self conscious. I kept debating whether to go or not but i finally went. I was nervous because I didn't know what to expect. As strongheartforever said, people have their own battles so no one will judge you. And that is what is great about it. If I don't feel like talking, people will understand. No one is going to keep asking me questions. I always come out feeling better. I'm able to laugh and joke with people. Everybody there is there to help each other.

Try it. As they say, nothing ventured, nothing gained.

If you have any questions, let me know.

[Michael8072]

How do you find these groups as I've searched but have come up empty handed.

[Marshall64 in reply to Michael8072]

I just googled depression support groups in my area. The group i go to is for bipolar and depression. I think it is just a local support group. You could see if NAMI has anything on their website.

[Michael8072 in reply to Marshall64]

Okay. Great. Thank you!

[Posey3550]

NAMI is the only one I found in my area.