Hello good people!

So I don't really know what to say because I just joined today but hello to everyone out there. My name is Rod and I suffer with anxiety where my fear of embarrassing myself seems to be the root of my problem. Aside from needing to lose some weight like everyone else, I am a pretty healthy guy overall except when it comes to my anxiety. I have this fear of embarrassing myself in public and dread what people will think of me or say about me. Certain situations make me nervous like a crowded elevator, a meeting or training session where the fear is you can't escape if needed. As my mind focuses on this fear during situations like this weeks before the event even, my body physically responds with sweating, increased heart rate pressure, gas or even diarrhea. It's the worse feeling where your mind generates things that probably won't ever happen, especially when you feel so alone. I have been on and off Citalopram (Celexa) for years and it's been one of the most helpful medications I've ever taken. Sometimes life still gets hectic and I understand it's easy for people to say it's all in your mind or it will pass but only those of us who really suffer with anxiety know how hard it really is. Anyhow that's my story for now and if you feel the same or know my path feel free to say hello. Best of luck to everyone going through this.

[Nenette45]

Hi am the same ,I can handle meetings or a lot of people.But I just try to stay,in the meeting.

[royal-tea]

I know this isn’t a cure-all, and my intention is certainly not to dismiss your feelings, but perhaps this can be a little trick to add to your toolbox: Someone once gave me the advice to think about a time when someone you saw in public was really embarrassed. I couldn’t, and you likely cannot either. This is because embarrassment is something that’s only felt internally. That means any worry about embarrassing yourself is irrelevant - no one will remember it anyway.

[Catwoman2018]

Hello Rod and welcome to our wonderful community. You will find lots of support here from many people with similar experiences and you will make lots of new friends. Thank you for sharing your story with us, that's the first step.

[Hidden]

Thanks everyone. As I said it's easier said than done when someone says it's all in your head but there are so many things you can do to help pull yourself out of that feeling. Lately what's been working for me is to keep busy with home projects now that the weather has started to get warmer.

[kenster1]

hi rod and welcome to you.sure hope the forum helps you in your recovery.