social anxiety

[Matchaloves]

I was at Target the other day on a regular shopping trip. I have never had to wonder the store to get up the courage to checkout. I felt nervous and panicked to go the cashier. I couldn’t I just stalled and looked around for about 30mins. I felt trapped because I had products in my cart ready to pay. I finally thought I got the strength and courage I walked to the line felt anxious but I stuck it out. About 5minutes of standing in line I couldn’t take it anymore I had a sudden urge to leave. I told the cashier I’m sorry I need to go can you save this for me.

After leaving the store I felt such a relief but a failure. I can’t figure out a place I love and always shop at could get me so anxious. I have never had to leave in an urgency.

Has this ever happened to you and how did you overcome getting back out in public?

[Agora1]

Matchaloves, I remember those days of the terror regarding standing in the checkout

line. I felt trapped and that feeling alone brought up my anxiety big time. At the beginning

I did run out of the store only to find once I got to my car, I was okay.

How often could I do that and not help feeling defeated..

There had to be another way of standing in line w/o panic. After reading about how

adrenaline can flow freely in our body just from the anticipation, I found some methods

that worked for me.

Chewing a piece of gum, helped move those muscles as well as rocking from side to side

moving the calves of my legs, lessened the adrenaline and calmed me down. That state

of "fight or flight" is ridiculous to feel while standing in a store line. Are we in danger??

No...Is something bad going to happen if we stay? No... So basically it's this Anxiety Bully

playing it's mind game with us.

Rather than fight it or give up and leave, Accept anxiety for what it is...A Lie. We are safe

We are secure and after spending so much time picking out the things we want, don't

allow anxiety to have you leave it all behind. But rather leave Anxiety behind.

Next time you go to Target might be a challenge for you. Have one of us go with you

virtually..You'd be surprised in how much support that may give you. You can do this xx

[Matchaloves in reply to Agora1]

Hi Agora1,

Thank you for your inspiring words. I will keep your advice in mind when I feel anxious again.

Yes I will leave anxiety I can’t let this defeat me.

I know this is going to be difficult and I know I’m strong but this anxiety makes me feel so vulnerable.

[Agora1 in reply to Matchaloves]

Be tough Matchaloves...but don't fight the feeling. Doing that does nothing more

than allow the fear to grow. xx

[Matchaloves]

Thank you. I finally was brave enough for a shopping trip today. I did ok I was able to gather my items and purchase. I felt anxious and told myself be strong, this anxiety is a lie. This isn’t going to take over me.

I did chew some gum for distraction and to help me relax. I’m still trying to get back out in stores and feeling comfortable again. This feeling of anxiety is so hard for me. I’m not sure why I can’t bring myself to the cashiers and purchase my items. I’m fine and happy to shop around but for some reason I can’t fulfill my trip.

This is a very confusing time.

Yes, definitely my faith and praying has helped me through feeling anxious. I always pray to God to take this anxiety out of my mind.

[TangledUpIn]

Yes, it's happened to me - just out doing regular errands and all of a sudden -bam- panic hits me and next thing I know I'm heating up and looking for an exit😬 As I talk myself off the ledge, I can't help but roll my eyes 🙄 What just happened? 🫤