Sometimes I wish that people knew I had social anxiety

[DemureRose]

I know most people try to hide it and I do to but there are some days I just want to scream I have social anxiety! I’m so tired of people saying “oh she’s just antisocial” or “she’s just an introvert”. I know they mean well but it’s so annoying. I DONT want to stay at home all the time! But it’s where I feel safe! It’s where I can relax! Don’t say I’m this antisocial person with an eye roll.

I want to bad to tell my friends but then I’m afraid they’ll start tiptoeing around me because saying I have a “disorder” makes me seem sick. I just want them to be able to comprehend that yes I do want to go out but no my body can’t handle it.

I tried to tell my friends but as soon as I explained what it was they began to diagnose myself. “I think I have that too. I get it.” Sure maybe. But I don’t think you do. Anxiety is not the same as an anxiety disorder. I just want them to listen and hear me! Not relate!

[Agora1]

Hi Rose, I know exactly what you mean. The minute we start explaining in order to

justify our mental health issue, then everyone around us, says they have anxiety too.

We know it's not the same thing we go through and to me, it's just a way of belittling

our struggle. That can't possibly know what anxiety disorder is.

I relate that to people using the excuse "I have a headache" in order to get out of

something. When there are people, who like myself at one time, had daily excruciating

headaches (both tension & migraine). Nobody believed me at that time either.

I just keep quiet now. Of course most of my friends disappeared so it doesn't make

much difference any more.

Know that I hear you Rose. xx

[DemureRose in reply to Agora1]

Thank you! I’m glad I’m not alone in my feelings.

[Hidden]

Hey Rose, you’re definitely not alone. I have social anxiety too & I am not just saying that. I’m afraid to leave the house too. I just wanted you to know you’re not alone. Have you ever thought about seeking therapy? I think that could really help you find ways to cope with the symptoms of your illness! You can still be a normal person & go on to live a better, happier, healthier life. You just need support & a little guidance to get there. Perhaps medication that could help you too. I am totally with you, sister. I can relate. I wish you all the best & if you need someone who understands, you can talk to me anytime! Xoxoxo

[Estherblue]

I feel just the same way, maybe a little bit worse, coz i don't really have friends, the little group of friends i have, don't even like to hang out with me, because they think am weird. Its as if everyone i meet keep telling me the same thing," you are weird, you don't have friends how do u cope". But they don't seem to understand that its not easy for me to make friends. Well i don't have any solution for u, because i don't even have any for myself, but just want u to know, u r not alone, and it will get better, stay strong.

[scf19]

i hear yah loud and clear on this one. those who are around me on a daily and those who just simply find themselves around me thinks i’m just someone who likes being in the house all day with no interest whatsoever in wanting to go outside. so knowing that, and in hopes of setting the record straight and clearing up any assumptions, i took the chance to open up to my immediate family members about as much of my struggles as i was comfortable disclosing to them at that time and things didn’t go that well. in conclusion, i don’t regret having the (sort of) discussion with them because i know better now not to display my vulnerable side to those vultures again unless they change of course which i’m no longer wasting my time waiting for that to happen.