How to deal?

Question:

Ok, so I'm 19 years old, and I am absolutely TERRIFIED of big groups of people. I hate being around people, I hate going to the mall or the grocery store because it's always so crowded with people. I just left my niece's birthday party early in a panic because there were too many people there and I freaked out. I know it's stupid, and I try to tell myself there is no reason to feel this way, but I can't seem to control it. And I'm constantly thinking to myself that everyone knows I'm freaking out and they think I'm stupid because of it. The people I'm around always think I'm in a bad mood and mad about something because I can't relax and enjoy myself. And I'm REALLY self conscious about my body so that doesnt help anything. I cant even go out with friends to the lake because first of all, its a group of people and I freak out, and secondly because that would require me putting on a swimsuit in front of all my skinny friends-not a good combination. What do I do? I want 2 be happy

Answers:
it sounds like you have social anxiety. i am the same as you. im scared of large groups of people because i always think that they are making fun of me or looking at me. but the truth is not to many people are watching you. try to conquer your fears!

Love Brian

You really should see a therapist, one you are comfortable talking to so you can openly discuss this. You may have agoraphobia, which is fear of crowded places. On the other hand, being self conscious about your body is probably pretty common for a 19 year old woman.

You deserve to enjoy events like your niece's birthday party. You deserve to be happy!

first of all, i know this is a terrible feeling. agoraphobia and/or social anxiety with panic attacks. more common than you may think. many will tell you its all in your head. its not - its an actual medical condition. even if it were - all in your head - doesnt mean you still dont have symptoms - not like you can just say oh, ok then and switch the feelings off. i would suggest seeing your family dr. he/she can prescribe you medication to even out your seratonin (sp?) levels and you will feel 100% better. it may take up to a few weeks or may even need to try a few different or a combination before finding the right one but it will totally change you life. as far as your weight in concerned - many also have an appetite suppressant effect as well. daily exercise is also one of the best things for you, not just physically either - it will increase your endorphins which are your feel good hormones. so between the right meds and daily exercise, you should be feeling much better.

www.conqueringstress.com, www.education-dir.com/coaching... can help you out. u may have anxiety. anxiety line can help 1888 826 9438

i agree with others it could be some social anxiety. but i feel that way as well for a different reason, i just simply don't like large groups of people. i don't get anxious around them, just annoyed.

personally, i like hanging out with 2 people or so, usually no more. anymore is just a crowd. at family events i get annoyed as well because 50 different people are talking about 100 different things..

it could be social anxiety, or you could just not like big groups. if you WANT to be in crowds but can't, then it's probably the anxiety.

HI there, My name is Angie and I have/had the same feelings you have, I at one point would not leave my own home due to this issue.I am no Dr. but from what you have described it sounds as though you had and or have panic dissorder, This can be caused by many things, whether there is depression, a past incident or simply a chemical imbalance to too much caffiene, This is actually a very common occurance these days with stress levels so high, My recommendation to you is go see your Dr. and explain your situation, there is a possibility he/she may put you on medication (as I am on due to this) or simply you just need someone to talk with, I know how scary these feelings are, I see you capitalized TERRIFIED you got that right! But I think your O.K!!! And I know this sounds as though it may be impossible but please, LEARN to have FAITH IN YOURSELF and LEARN to LOVE YOURSELF! When you do this you build YOURSELF CONFIDENCE!! I think it's self love so many of us don't give ourselfs ( i don't think I spelled that right but you got the jest of it!!) Anyhow I hope I've shed a bit of light to you, Take care,Angie.

Stop wanting to be other than as you are. It may be a huge relief to say yes to what is, starting with yourself.

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