freezing anxiety

[Fair_point]

hello everyone,

I am constantly getting those moments when my legs freeze due to anxiety.

I will explain a situation related to what I mean. When I walk into a sensationally overwhelming environment, (such as a mall, a university or school, or a generally crowded and noisy place, and even crossing the road when there are cars on both sides) my legs start to freeze and they feel so heavy that I cannot continue walking. In those moments, I sometimes find my self forced to completely stop walking mid the road for few seconds until I gather strength again, which cause me embarrassment which even worsens my anxiety. It’s also worth mentioning that this freezing response worsens when I am physically exhausted or mentally overwhelmed with emotions (could be because I feel extremely happy and thrilled or because my self esteem is at its lowest point).

apologies for my language if it’s faulty for English is not my first language. Hopefully I find some help and support from you.

[LilyAnnepuppy]

Are you receiving treatment for your anxiety?

Welcome to this forum.

[Fair_point in reply to LilyAnnepuppy]

hello.

Unfortunately I am not. It is not quite possible to get proper treatment in my area, but I am trying my best to heal my self.

[primrose81]

Gosh your English is excellent Fair_point, better than mine and I was born in the UK! You describe excellently what happens to me…I freeze frequently and have always found it difficult to explain why. I just can’t be hurried, I need to stop and have about a minute before I can reassemble myself to get walking again. I get stuck in middle of roads and even if I am at a proper crossing at traffic lights, for example, I can’t make it across in time. I hate crowds, they really fuel my anxiety and even an empty road brings on my leaden legs and freeze response.

Thank you so much for your post, I am going to show it to my husband. You have made me feel much less alone - thank you.

[Fair_point in reply to primrose81]

I am glad we found each other. I even started to limit my walks with people walks in a fast pace or sometimes even walk slower than them which leaves me many steps behind them, but I am fine with that as long as it keeps me safe and rested. I also feel the same in empty roads even though I cross it through the cross lines. Those situations just make my muscles tense for no apparent or logical reason.

Thank you for being here. We’re all in this together…

[Hidden in reply to primrose81]

hello primrose and Fair, i remember something strange when i was younger walking down street if someone was behind me,my leg would kinda feel like i couldnt move it right kinda froze a bit this has never happend since i became less self conscious i think the more you think about it the worst it gets to control it, i might look this up whrn more time i hope you can get some help for your anxiety etc i hate crowds too 🤗

[primrose81]

Absolutely - I am so grateful for your post.

[Sawdust23]

hi Fair_point, welcome to this community where you will find a great deal of empathy and support as you work through the anxiety and issues it cause in your life. I can relate to your anxiety felt when surrounded by lots of activity. It can be quite debilitating for sure. You’re not alone!

[Fair_point in reply to Sawdust23]

Thank you as well for being here. Having your support and knowing that someone in this world who understands you makes a huge difference in your healing journey for sure. I truly appreciate your response…

[designguy]

Good job with your english. What you are describing is a common symptom of anxiety and it could be that you have social anxiety. I read through your comments and you say it's hard to get proper treatment hwere you are. I suggest you use youtube, there is a lot of good free info available on it. I suggest you check out the youtube videos of the DARE Anxiety program and they also have a good book available and another good source is the youtube videos and website of Paige Pradko who is a therapist who healed herself and now helps others. You can also check out youtube for info on social anxiety and you may also be suffering from low-self-worth which is common with those of social anxiety and you can find good info about it as well on youtube. Hope some of this helps.

[Fair_point in reply to designguy]

Thank you so much for the sources you provided, indeed it will help. Recently I’ve been working on my self esteem and trying to gain back my self worth. I grew up in an environment which constantly made me feel worthless and less than others. No matter what I do It was still seen not enough. They were trying to create that ideal human being out of me, according to their own perspective. Although I fought back against them and tried to prove my self worthy and stood for my true self and character, I still got affected, especially with my already existing anxiety and overthinking tendencies. And that’s one of the roots of the freezing anxiety I get for no apparent reason sometimes.

Thank you again for being here and for your help. It’s much appreciated.

[designguy in reply to Fair_point]

You're welcome, I had the same issues from growing up in an emotional and physically abusive household and being shamed and punished for showing any signs of being proud of myself or trying to stand up for myself. I was also bullied in school which led to the social anxiety. With social anxiety we develop it for self-protection but it distorts how we precieve others and how they percieve us. I really like the youtube videos of Julia Kristina and Dr Bernadette Sewell, I even did her Break Free program and really liked it. I also really like the youtube videos of Bernadette Logue. Feel free to ask me any questions or contact me when you want, i'm glad to help.