I hope it goes well

[EricJones]

Today i'm going to Walmart and a store called "Produce Junction". These are two packed stores full of strangers that i fear. When i see them idk how to react to them. i'll probably notice them and hope that they dont notice me noticing them....but thats my fear when i go into these stores is that they'll feel that i'm staring because of my body language. Hope they don't feel this and my hyper vigilant secret is safe. I could use some support.

[Shnookie]

it’s great that U R going out. Perhaps try looking at the items in the store to start. Do some deep breathing exercises b 4 you leave the house.

[EricJones in reply to Shnookie]

do you think people will tell i'm paying attention to them, if i'm not looking at them?

[Agora1 in reply to EricJones]

Eric, have you ever tried wearing sunglasses when in the store and around people?

My therapist had once suggested that for me in order to cut down the extra

stimulation all around me when out. It's enough to just deal with the anxiety and

this kind of helps. Have a good time, you're going to be okay. xx

[EricJones in reply to Agora1]

i dont have sunglasses, not a bad idea, but i wont be looking at people too much in the store

[Shnookie in reply to EricJones]

I think people who R out shopping in large stores like Walmart, R in their own little worlds. I don’t think they will be able to tell re paying attention. Please try going into a section of the store that you like , I.e. video games. Try to relax looking at the items. Think to yourself I feel proud of myself for getting out of the house and going to the store bout on some clothing you like b4 U going out. The idea is to divert yourself

[Blackcatfelix]

Walmart is really bad, I agree, but you could try something my therapist said last week....try saying VOOM, it stimulates your throat muscles and eases a person. I myself try to focus on what Im shopping for and try to block everything else out, it does work, and makes my shopping trips short because I move quickly through the store.

[EricJones in reply to Blackcatfelix]

Good advice....I'm sitting with two people ..one house member and one staff member....I can't seem to ignore them...and their movements do they notice me or are they that glued into what they're doing?

[Blackcatfelix in reply to EricJones]

Theyre most likely glued to their own stuff, you just dont wanna pay attention to them try walking around a bit I do that to it makes it easier to stay away from everyone.

[EricJones in reply to Blackcatfelix]

how noticeable is it that i'm paying attention to somebody if i'm not looking at them?

[Blackcatfelix in reply to EricJones]

They wont think your looking if your eyes arent glued to them if your looking at them casually or what not thats fine.

[SusieSoul in reply to EricJones]

Hi Eric well done to you! The people are glued to their own stuff. They will not notice your body language at all. I hope you enjoyed your shopping trip, and can concentrate on enjoying yourself , as that is what everyone else is doing.

[Downinil]

Hi Eric! I noticed your post is four hours ago. I’m wondering how it went at Walmart for you today. Please let us know. We’re in your corner.

[EricJones in reply to Downinil]

Didn't go yet...dad still not here

[Downinil in reply to EricJones]

Ok. Will let us know how it was when you get a chance?

[EricJones in reply to Downinil]

okay

[EricJones in reply to Downinil]

So I just got back from the Walmart trip i went on...and I'm not convinced it was a success. I paid far too close attention to people that were near me...my body language shifted, in response to other people moving and checking out....idk if i'm cut out for this man.

[Shnookie in reply to EricJones]

Congratulations that U made the trip. U we’re in a large space with a lot of people around U. How did your body language shift? The grocery store near my house, has narrow aisles and sometimes, the employees leave products in the aisles. I know that I have made nasty faces at times trying to get around people. Next time try a smaller place to go to. Take baby steps and it will become easier to do.

[EricJones in reply to Shnookie]

i dont have much control over where i go out shopping...my dad makes the arrangements

[Shnookie in reply to EricJones]

I understand. Please think to yourself, I made it thru Walmart. I can do it again. People R usually off in their own world. We’re here for U on HU. Have a peaceful Sunday. Hugs 🤗 S

[karenbx832004]

I hope you had a good day Eric. Thinking of you. 🌸

[secrets22]

You are not alone, for I loathe shopping now and think everyone is looking at me ,and when i do go i keep my head down and dont look at anyone.

[EricJones in reply to secrets22]

do you think people see you with your head down?

[secrets22 in reply to EricJones]

Yes of course but it doesn't bother me.

[EricJones in reply to secrets22]

really youre that comfortable with yourself that it doesnt matter?

[secrets22 in reply to EricJones]

I think its because i am able to block them from my thoughts, its not exactly easy but i have to.

[EricJones in reply to secrets22]

you said block them...do you mean strangers?

[secrets22 in reply to EricJones]

Yes i try to ignore them.

[PuzzleArt]

I have been reading some of the replies you have received, and there were some very good suggestions. I can only report my own experience and it could be different than others ( everyone of us is a different individual, with different personalities). I'm glad you posted this and shared. It reminded me of the past, when I endured the same discomfort and mental distress about being in crowds of people and going to stores. All I know is that it wasn't permanent. It can change, but of course not always as fast as we would like. I don't even know for sure which changes in myself, either from changes in my thinking over time, or help from the support of others. I wish I knew exactly how it happened, so that I could tell others and save them from any suffering. I know only that it wasn't magic, and took some time. But I am "cured" from that particular problem today. And I wanted you to know that it can happen. There is nothing inside you, or regarding your particular family background, or history of social encounters, that can prevent you from getting over this. And believe me, I had one if the worst cases if it, and one of the most painful. It was not a particular medication or professional advice that did it.

[Tressy5]

Sunglasses are really good. I have them with me every time I go out and if I'm feeling really anxious I put them on and it really helps. I've been doing this for years now and would definitely recommend them. Good luck 😀