Social anxiety

I have social anxiety...

I am constantly fearing what people think of me and I constantly think people are judging me. I have panic attacks on a daily basis. For example I can barely even say hello to most people. It’s even gotten to the point where I play music in the car really quite because I’m scared people will hear it from outside the car, I can’t stand the windows being down bc I’m worried of people seeing me and I always turn the music off when my parents put the windows down. I can’t stand near people properly my legs get all jittery and I freak out. When I walk my dog along the street I freak out over cars driving past feeling like there judging me for such small things like where I’m looking or how I’m walking. I can’t order food or even look for a book to read in my school library without a friend. My parents don’t understand, they get mad and tell me I’m embarrassing. Idk why but I’m way to scared to talk to anyone about it, I really want to start therapy but I’m to scared to ask my parents and they wouldn’t let me anyway.

[hypercat54]

Hi time for a reality check! No one is thinking about or judging you and why do you think you are that important to other people? Why should they notice you and take the effort to think about you? People are much too busy thinking about themselves and worrying about their own lives to pay you any attention. This is fact. So keep telling yourself that.

Out of 100 people you know 5 will like you, 1 will dislike you and the rest don't even know you exist. As for strangers on the street they don't even see you!

As you are 16 you can take yourself to a doctor and ask for help. Ask them if it will be in confidence and unless they think you are at serious risk to yourself or someone else, there is no reason why it shouldn't be.

You have as much right in this world as any of us and the way to true contentment is to be yourself. You haven't got to apologise for your presence or be afraid of anyone. If someone does judge you then it says far more about them than it does you. Hold your head high and stop running round like a frightened little mouse. x

[Ragdoll15 in reply to hypercat54]

Very wise words!

[Meeko2018]

Just breathe, you’re not alone in feeling that way, and I don’t think you need a reality check.. seems a little harsh. It’s hard to control those anxiety’s. Just try and do one small thing a day to put you out of your comfort zone, you might just realize that people are reacting to you in a positive way than in a negative judging way that you think. It’s a good way to overcome thinking that way all the time. You got this !

[hypercat54 in reply to Meeko2018]

A reality check is much more helpful than soft soaping!

[Meeko2018 in reply to hypercat54]

Just a difference of opinion, I think everyone learns to cope different. Sometimes small steps can lead to those big strides.

[Meeko2018 in reply to Meeko2018]

Speaking more on how I work internally, the things you said are very true, no doubt, but you can’t really just snap out of it, if people could they just would. Taking small steps to realize all those things has always been better for me building my confidence. But that’s just me !

[hypercat54 in reply to Meeko2018]

I am glad it helps you. Like you said though not everyone is the same and all differences and approaches are all equally valid. x