Hello, I have social anxiety and for whatever reason I pretend I'm talking to an audience sometimes. As a result, I'll sometimes modify what I'm thinking or doing so I don't embarrass myself in front of this audience. I'll pretend I'm a commentator or something like that. A few years ago I also got paranoid people could tell what I was thinking so I wouldn't think certain things around other people. I obviously know both of these things are ridoculous. But I have a few questions.
1. Is this another version of the "people can read my mind" thing?
2. Does anyone else do this?
3. Is it normal or concerning?
4. Is it maybe a way of coping with loneliness?
I would talk to my therapist about it, but I think it's sort of embarrassing and I would rather do it anonymously. Thank you for understanding!
I can't really answer your questions, but I do something similar to what you mentioned. I sometimes feel like I am in front of a studio audience being filmed for something like a TV show. I mentioned this to my therapist and she pointed out to me that this is just another way of being "out of reality." I am working on changing this behavior but it's hard since it has been a coping skill for almost 20 years now.
I suggest mentioning it to your therapist. It's nothing to be embarrassed about.
I wish you the best of luck.
Hi panda.my social anxiety was crippling when I was younger, to the point I would avoid going out at all. I would plan the next day in my head if I knew I had to go out. I would spend hours going over what people minght say, wether I should endure or if I would come across foolish. I thought people were staring at,me talking about me. If I did go out I then spent hours thinking' what did people think of me, I would go over conversations bit by bit thinking were they judging me or laughing when I left. This was very exhausting. And very lonely living in my own head with racing thoughts. I thought I was the only one that felt like this and didnt tell anyone for years. I broke down at doctors eventually and everything came out, I was told this was more common than I thought. Just knowing I wasn't mad was so reasuring, my doc was great , I manage better nowadays with anxiety in general. You need to discuss this with doctor, don't.worry they have seen this before, therapy can be good, doc will discuss options. There are lots of ways of coping with anxiety and lots of lovely people here are happy to share how they cope. You're not alone❤️