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Posted 11/15/2011 4:52 AM (GMT 0)

Hello All,

Long story short, I'm standing in the never ending line at the MVA today to renew my ID that I have been putting off doing forever because interacting with strangers TERRIFIES me.

Anyway, I'm doing fine (well, besides the butterflies in my stomach) until, out of no where, I start thinking "What if I just pass out right here in front of all of these people?"

Then I start getting light-headed and I'm looking around, in a panic, to see where I can sit or lean if I have to.

Seconds later, my husband and 4 year old daughter come in and wait with me after parking the car, and I'm fine (except for the butterflies).

Why does this happen when I'm alone? Why is it that everyone else there that was alone didn't feel this way?

This is why I dread doing things like that and I avoid them as long as possible.

Any tips on how to stop those thoughts before they start?

It's so depressing. I just want to be normal.  cry  

Thanks.

Posted 11/15/2011 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
This just happened to me. I was shopping and my mom was in the grocery store (there is a drugstore next to the grocery store). For some reason I just felt kinda, out of it, not in reality, it was strange. I felt dizzy, and just flat out weird, which I guarantee was exactly how you were. As soon as I saw my mom, I felt even stranger, like I just wanted to start screaming and panicking, if I would have done that, I know I would have had a panic attack. You feel like you are going to black out and just flop on the floor.

It is a terrible feeling, but you are not alone. The best thing to do, is start off slow by just even going for a walk, you will see people, but won't have to interact, then build up, go for a coffee by yourself, even just in a car, talking little by little, not having to stand and have a full on conversation will boost your confidence. Confidence is what you need. You are okay, nothing is going to happen to you, unless you let it. Don't let your mind take over what truly is not happening, it will say to you, "your going to faint!", it is exactly how someone who may be for example, anorexic, "Do not eat that, you will get fat". You need confidence, and by taking those small steps, you will build that confidence, and you will be okay.

No one likes interacting with people, especially strangers. I work with the public, and sometimes I feel so socially awkward is sad haha!. Just practice slowly, talk in front of the mirror, do anything, boost that confidence and you will be okay, your not going to faint, or black out! :) you will be okay!
Posted 11/15/2011 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Hi SSAHM:)

I am proud of you for taking that step, and doing what you needed to do! Even though you were uncomfortable, you made it though, and that is progress!

Great job. Remember that your worst fears were not realized...you did not pass out, or lose conrtrol. You got through this situation very well, and now you have more strength and confidence to face the next one:)

Take care,
S.C.
Posted 11/15/2011 4:04 PM (GMT 0)
Good Morning,

When you feel that panic coming on, look around you and you will see a lot of people who may be feeling the same way that you are.  Take a deep breath and tell yourself you are OK................I know how hard it is to go places that make you feel panicky.  I will often have my hubby drive me and wait in the parking lot so if I find I really need to leave he is right outside. 

Other days I am just fine.............so keep on belieiving in yourself and know you are not alone.  We are all here! We know where your coming from and what you are going through.

Gentle Hugs,

Kitt

Posted 11/15/2011 6:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks you Guys!

I love this place.

:0)
Posted 11/16/2011 3:18 PM (GMT 0)
You are welcome and I agree - this is one groovy place......  :)
Posted 11/18/2011 3:43 PM (GMT 0)
it's normal to feel socially awkward in a morally ambiguous society.
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