Do you get even worse when someone asks you are you okay?

[Gina10]

I've noticed not to tell anyone if I'm going through anxiety because if they ask me are you okay or is something wrong it only makes it worse.

[robynnicholson]

if I know the other person asking understands anxiety or has it themselves I am ok answering honestly, otherwise I tend not to make eye contact and say Im ok.

[Heruga]

It does for me. Someone saying that to me reminds me of my problems and that only triggers the anxiety more

[Healedone]

OMG why is this? Yes it happens to me sometimes

[Gina10 in reply to Healedone]

I guess just a part of the anxiety

[Vicky810]

Yes! or tries to talk to me to calm me down

[hamsta]

Yeah, i understand that. I often feel like telling people close to me how I feel makes it worse, it makes me feel like im being very annoying, and when people im not so close to ask if im okay i just have to lie and be like yeah great, and then it reminds me that i feel bad

[Kainan in reply to hamsta]

that's exactly right! i feel the same way. it's almost like I don't want to take up other people's time rambling on about my life, so I always reply with the same I'm good or I'm fine, which makes me feel pathetic that I cannot connect with people

[hamsta in reply to Kainan]

dont let it make you feel pathetic, sometimes it is not worth it as some people really don't understand the affects of anxiety, i struggle to explain it to the people closest to me

[Hidden]

I feel like people think I'm wanting attention or to play the victim - even my own family. I'm tired of apologizing and explaining myself. I'm just tired overall.

[Suchis]

I feel the same. When someone asks am i doing well, that triggers anxeity

[Hidden]

I feel the same, but i have never told my friends or family how serious it can be, because i feel they don't take it seriously. when i talk about situations in my life and be honest and say i was feeling shaky, couldn't breath etc, they just say you need to talk to someone and find a hobby so your not getting depressed and end up feeling the way you do in those situations. I am so lost and scared and confused, and it's making me miserable and gaining weight.

[Alun001]

This is an interesting thread. this happens so often, as many of the great replies given.

This is because of the mind body connection. When we are feeling ropey, we want to avoid even thinking about how we are feeling don't we. Then when someone asks how we are, it re stimulates the feelings that we are trying to avoid.

And then we make it worse by saying I'm ok, when deep down inside we know we are not. The subconscious says no your not okay and it creates inner conflict. Saying one thing and feeling another!

So I was told, if someone asks how you are, just reply I'm coping. That truthfully answers the question and prevents inner conflict which makes matters worse.

And of course when we feel ropey, lets keep remembering that not one anxiety attack, not one panic attack has ever hurt us. They frighten us and make us tense, and feel dreadful, but never has one hurt us! This ties in a little with my earlier post 'As and you will receive' I hope this helps.

Peace!