Social Anxiety/Sheltered upbringing, Anxiety

[Live4it20]

Why am I more comfortable in my own space at home? Whenever I have to go outside and do something I always have alot of anxiety and feel like a fish out of water and 'culture shock'. I'm not sure if this was because I was sheltered alot as a child and always had my mom there . Now I feel really alone and extremely awkward at times just going to the grocery store. This only happens when I'm alone sometimes but if I'm with a friend I feel safe. It's not normal and I hate feeling that way..I've tried breathing exercises etc and I still get panic and feel like getting in and out of places quickly as possible. I just want to be normal and more of a people person but I feel really lost in this world.

[NWGal]

Sounds like social anxiety issues to me. All socially anxious people have different reasons for dreading certain situations. There are many reasons for social anxiety disorder but the primary reasons are: being judged by others in social situations, being embarrassed or humiliated, accidentally offending someone and being the center of attention. I suffer from social anxiety as well although I wasn't necessarily sheltered as a child. You might want to consider seeking the help of a mental health therapist. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is the primary treatment for social anxiety. Hope this helps friend. Good karma to you!

[Live4it20 in reply to NWGal]

Thanks for your reply

[Kainan]

Hi. I have to say I really relate to this. I was extremely sheltered as a child too. I was always with my parents and went everywhere they went, never going out on my own. I was also really quiet and super focused academically; I didn't do much else. Also whenever there were people around, I felt quite uncomfortable and would often try to find somewhere I could be alone. As I grew up and went to college, I realized that my world was so small and I had no idea how to communicate to people. The anxiety I was harboring all my life was now compounded by a deep and dark depression that lasted many many years, and is still something I live with, though now it is less intense. I desperately wanted friendship but I was so scared of reaching out and being accepted, so I lived in my own head and my misery day after day. Now, I am very lucky and pleased that I get along so well with my parents, my coworkers, and folks out in the community. I think one of the first steps is to just be around people more often. Doesn't have to be many. If you have a few close friends, spend more time with them. The more time you spend with other people, the more you will be like them. So if they are more outgoing and positive, and you spend time with them, you won't necessarily turn into them, but you'll get out of your own head and be able to pay attention to the present and the people around you. Listening is a powerful tool to help you stay alert and engaged with the present moment and conversations. Also, another way to conquer social anxiety step by step is to make more of an effort to notice people and say "Hi" to them or "How are you doing." People love to talk about themselves, so if you do that, you might get your ear chewed off lol. The point is to get out of your mind and feel more engaged with the present moment. A lot of the anxiety is just digging away at our insides, but once you bring them into the light, into your presence, they don't stand a chance and will gradually dissipate. You got nothing to lose. People don't know who you are. You can just be yourself. I know you can get through this.