I need support

[sarahsfeelings]

There are some major things that I worry about in my life right now. One of them is starting a job. I had been planning on working full time during summer but it didn't happen because of covid and deep down I was happy because with my social anxiety, not having to get out my comfort zone was the best thing. I also felt really guilty and I wrote about it here and many of you guys told me to enjoy my life before school starts and I kinda did! School is gonna start next week and I planned my classes so I can work after school in the evenings. It's a normal waitressing job in a cafe which is run by my uncle, so that makes it easier. But I've made such a BIG DEAL out of it that I just can't think about it without being stressed out and anxious. I know it sounds weird to be anxious about something so simple but I don't know what to do. I don't know how to get myself to do it. I keep changing my mind. But I know starting a job for a socially anxious person like me is just going to be helpful and amazing. I even know that I'm not gonna be bad at it and that I will get the hang of it but the fear and anxiety is just unbearable. I really need your support. Please share your experience with me.

What should I do?!

[Kat63]

Try to concentrate on just one thing at a time, one moment at a time. Try to stay in right now.

[quickblizzard]

You said you know that you won't be bad at it and that you will get the hang of it. That is truth. You know it deep down. Hold on to it. If you can see that truth, and allow yourself to believe it, the anxiety will lessen. Sometimes, when I feel like that, I tell the fear, "I see you, and I understand. We're just going to move forward, ok? We're just moving forward." It helps me see the progression from fear into activity. Hang in there. You will do great.

[ShadowChat]

I have social anxiety, too! It can be terribly difficult.

I really like what quickblizzard said, seems like a wonderful approach. But just know that if it’s making your life this difficult, it might be worth seeing a psychiatrist. Maybe there’s a medication that can help! Otherwise, you might benefit from a therapist, who could offer solid strategies to help you cope. I am personally taking anxiety medication and I wish I had started sooner.

Of late, it’s helped me to imagine that the person in front of me is just as anxious and feels just as awkward as I do (which could be true!); I then become the one trying to make them feel comfortable, which distracts me from my insecurities.

Lots of people feel the way you do and are just acting the part!