I like being nice to people, I like people that are likable. I want to do things and socialize and have and make friends but something, an anxiety prevents me from doing so and or enjoying it. I'd rather be in the house where no confrontation can take place. I can't seem to think straight when around people or even when i go to speak my mind is on so many other things and possibilities I usually like to just stay quiet around others. I want to do so many things in life but I am stymied by this condition. I know when it started and I think it is a result of something that happened to me years ago that caused major depression but now this. HOw is it that I want to do things but can't?
Hello Lauren, Anxiety and phobias, in particular anthropophobia can cause patients not to enjoy meeting other people but nevertheless still wanting to mix with them and enjoy their company.
This can as you say stem from some past incident where we were made to feel inferior in some way, and we simply never recovered from it.
Having said this, there is absolutely nothing wrong with wishing to remain a quiet and reserved type of person, but problems can arise when we start to think that we are different in some way to others, which is not necessarily true.
What you are experiencing is not considered to be a serious condition, but if it bothers you, you might wish consider counselling as a therapy.
Your doctor should be able to provide you with a list of psychologists and/or counsellors in your area who are able to deal with this type of problem.
Best wishes
Rod
But it gets worse. I started to avoid strangers, but it has gotten to my family as time passes. I dont answer the phone unless it is my daughter or family but even family it feels like I have to wait till im ready to call them back. I am not handeling my personal business because i need to avoid people, coflict, problems, issues that are not plesent. I suffer with depression from that past situation and can't find work because of it. So it is controlling my life. I keep trying to call an attorney for my SSd and a therapist but i cant because I'd have to talk to them. If i coult talk to people in email for help and nothave to see or be aroudn them I feel id be fine but that is not the way I want to live my life. There are things I want and need to do that I can't brign myself to do because of this. SSD is my only way of income at this time , well for the past few years but I have not been able to follow up with them because of this fear or what ever it is. I write them letters and ask them to give me time to bring myself to call and can never call to have this restarted. ugh!
It sounds horrible for you.
Do you have anyone at all that you trust and you can confide in and maybe ask to help you?
This cindition is yiur adrenalmglands over reacting and is ruled by your thoughts and brain. Its in your own power to accept the bodies responses without allowing your mind to feed in scary or negative thought. CBT excellent start. Dont worry about hanging out with friends right now, you need to just relax and breathe and learn more about anxiety, panic and fears. Anxiety makes a oerson vulnerable and it is understandabke that you are exhausted and need down time.
It sounds like it has gone into agoraphobia. Try to find a therapist that will work with you by phone. I had to do this. When I was at your point, my doors and windows stayed locked, I would not answer the phone for anyone, thinking that it would be bad news. Always thinking the worst. Therapy is the way I got out of it. Still have some issues if crowd is too many, but I am out of my house a lot more.Hope this helps!