Social anxiety

@conscientiousWheel4169

I think that many of us can relate to how you are feeling. And i hope that you find 7 cups a safe place to be. Like you, i agree that the more we isolate ourselves the worse it becomes. It spirals downwards and leaves us feeling lonely and depressed. But, yes, it is also safe. Because no one can hurt us if we are alone.

It may feel safe but it can become an isolating prison and hard to break out of. Was there a significant trigger for this change in behaviour ? Please don't answer that if it feels too personal or uncomfortable.

I think trying to get back out into the world requires baby steps, to experience successful interactions and build up your confidence. I'm not a great talker, so i try to focus more on group activities, where you already have things to discuss, whether a book group, craft group...or any activity. It takes the focus away from having to talk about ourselves, which can be tricky.

All the best and let me know how you are getting on. Big hugs xxxx

@conscientiousWheel4169 I'm sorry to hear you're having such a hard time. If I may ask, how do you experience the fear when you're thinking about or doing things that include social interaction? Like what happens physically and what thoughts pops up, or whatever you feel okay sharing.

Take care.

@conscientiousWheel4169

Feeling like this is totally understandable, and is what so many people feel like on a day to day basis at the moment. It feels like socially, you can't trust anyone, and after some experiences it can be so difficult to restore any positive outlook you may have had on the world. It sounds like you have become introverted and now social interaction is intimidating and scary, that must be extremely difficult for you. Especially considering the contrast between your current position and your old self. I completely understand the way you are feeling "bogged down", and that life just hasn't been very good to you, and feel paralyzed and restricted and like you can never return to your old self, but you will get there eventually, because anyone who seeks happiness will eventually find it. I completely understand the comfort you received / experienced when you isolated, but its best to acknowledge that this is the flight response, and that doing this can make a problem seem ten times worse than it actually is. I recommend trying to imagine, the best social future for yourself, and then write a plan on how to achieve it. Don't worry if you don't stick to the plan, that exercise is just helpful to help you realize that your ideal is within reach, you just have to risk opening up with potentially bad but probably good people again. You might have had a tough time, but now you have something younger you didn't have, wisdom! This is what makes it increasingly likely you will choose the right people this time, so don't doubt yourself. You have got this!

@conscientiousWheel4169 Air hug, I know this feeling. It is not easy to change, but we may can take baby step. I think the most important thing is follow yourself, and don't force yourself. Hope you can feel better.