Panicking in social situations

[bitesize]

Generally I think I'm a pretty outgoing person and I like being around people. But sometimes when I'm in public, or I have to do something which involves going out in public, I get horrible anxiety. I just freak out. Usually if it's involving going to talk to someone I don't know about something I don't know much about or that I think will make me seem stupid or inexperienced.
If I'm having a normal day I'm able to go anywhere, talk to anyone about anything, not care about anything. I could make best friends with the person sitting net to me on the bus. But if I'm having a bad day like this I actually panic at the idea of going out and talking to strangers. A few months ago in college I had to go and pick up an essay a little late and I walked all the way upstairs and to the door or the area I was supposed to collect it from when I suddenly just freaked out and had to turn around and go and hide in the bathroom until I could force myself back out and upstairs. And over something so stupid
I don't know what to do because it's getting worse, and I really really hate feeling like this, especially because it's not even something that's part of my normal personality. It's starting to take over my life. I'm supposed to go into town today to make sure I get a guarantee for something, but I'm literally just too panicky to go out in public and talk to strangers today. And I think it'll be too alte tomorrow, but I just can't force myself to go. I feel so pathetic about this, plrease help if you can

[katniss]

Hey there, I can honestly say I know exactly what you mean. I used to be very social, when I was younger... now I can't talk to strangers. I felt like I could have written what you said about talking to someone you don't know about something you aren't certain about, I hate the feeling that I am going to ask a stupid question or do something to embarrass myself. I'm the same if I have to call someone I don't know, I freak out.
Since I still have a LOT of social anxiety, but my therapist did give me a trick that helps sometimes. When you are facing a situation that makes you freak out, stop and take a deep breath, and ask yourself "What am I worried about, really?" If your answer is that you'll embarrass yourself, or have to ask an obvious question, follow it up with "Will that affect me in a week, or a month?" The answer will almost always be no. Now, if I am having a particularly bad day, and I ask myself these questions, I can find a way to make that situation ruin my WHOLE LIFE in my head, even though that's irrational. haha. But in some situations it works for me... it might be worth a shot?
If you ever want to talk, feel free to PM me, I hope things get better!

[bitesize]

Thanks so much. xx

[melllllllllll]

I've just been through something similiar, I used to get so nervous if i was going out somewhere or going anywhere where I had to socialise. It's weird because sometimes you don't even know the reason yourself why your getting so panicky, something so small can just trigger it.. If you feel that it is controlling what you do and stopping you from going out.. then i would suggest that you go and talk to someone like a counsellor/physcologist. I saw a physcologist.. quite a few actually but once i found the right person, she really helped me and my anxiety is slowly starting to decrease. It really is worth getting some help And please don't feel that your pathetic because your not, alot more people go through this than you realise. I used to think the same about myself but i've realised that its nothing to do with who i am, it can happen to anyone.

[bitesize]

I went to therapy for a year and a half when I was sixteen/seventeen and it helped me a lot, but even if going back would help with anxiety, I'm not sure I really want to go back. Therapy was good for me but towards the last few months it really began to drag. Also even if I wanted to go back we couldn't really afford it right now.

[I-Love-him]

Hi
Firstly i'd like to say That these feelings are perfectly normal and you are most defiantly not the only person out there to feel this way. Never feel stupid for panicking, worrying or being too nervous to go out. I suffer with anxiety and reminding myself of these things improved my confidence and helped me realise i'm not alone, we all have our own problems.

I'd also like to suggest that you try fight these fears, don't force yourself or stress yourself out but try set yourself weekly targets. Start small, for example walk to your local shop one week, smile at people or say hi just so you can be confident in the people around you. Next week maybe go into a town centre or somewhere a little more busy. Also, i suggest keeping a diary of what and when you feel anxious, this will help you sum up all the worries and eventually you can try to fight them.

if you can get therapy then that would be fantastic, maybe even pop to the doctors and discuss these issue's.Also, speak to friends and family if you feel you can, tell them your worries.

I could make more suggestions but unfortunatley the only reason i know how to fight anxiety is because of my experience which is a lot different to your experience and everyone elses experience (everyone is different). But if you would like me to discuss ways to try help anxiety then please feel free to pm me.

i hope this help and please do not worry, anxiety effects so many people, you are not alone and we are here to talk