Feeling weird with groupa

[KatieRichie94]

I feel really weird when i hangout with more than a couple people. I feel like im the weird one out and i get depressed. I used to not have this issue when hanging in a group. Why does this happen?

[Iluvhorses]

Have you gone a long time without having many people in your life? Maybe you were able to hang out with people before you got depressed and anxious and now these conditions are getting in the way. Plus you might be feeling like the only one with such problems.

[Amanda35]

Katie you seem to be at a time when your confidence is lower than it was. We can easily feel like we don't fit in or are going to be judged. If you feel depressed please tell someone you trust that you feel like this. Depression and low mood are so tiring for your body. Make sure you eat and sleep well if you can. Just think that other people's impression of you are not as important as your own. Try to spend more time thinking of what you're good at and be proud of these things. Life is so hard, life is not perfect and all we can do is show up and give our best in what ever situation were faced with. When I go somewhere I just think I'll have a little chat and go with the flow, (I just try to simplify the experience in my head). Live in the moment if you can, we can't please everyone, we can only be kind and fair, - be kind to yourself, tell yourself your doing well.

[Olderal]

Having had some anxiety and depression , then its hard to feel as confident again in company which is probably all you are experiencing.

Remember that firstly other people are in the main pretty unobservant and even if you feel weird, its unlikely any one will be noticing anything, even if you did or said something a little weird. Remember also that in any group of people some will have their own problems and be too busy coping with the group scenario to be worrying about observing you,or any one else.

These are useful thoughts to have but I suppose the real answer is to continue as normal and don't let this feeling put you off any group situation. Its all too easy if you think you might be uncomfortable on some occasion to find an excuse not to go.

This is the thin end of the wedge and once you start this it can be the beginning of withdrawal. Definitely a no no, you need the interaction with other people, especially when depressed.

I was lucky in that I kept in work always and never had to take a day off with depression,and my wife wisely continued to make social engagements. Often I would have loved not to go but I always did,however uncomfortable and I realise now in hindsight just how good that was for me,even if painful at the time..

Keep being brave and socialising to the maximum you can. It will pay dividends in your mental well being , and it will become easier and easier. The alternative will leave you with a big hill to climb just to get to where you are now.

Olderal