social anxiety and isolation.

Thank you everyone for the support. It truly means a lot to me.
I didn't end up going to the park.. backed out at the last minute because of anxiety. So I plan to go this weekend to both a drum circle and music in the park again, and I feel better about it this time. I'm just going to make myself do it.

 

keep us updated

 

just a little update..
things are going really well for me i've been venturing out a lot more and actually enjoying life. anxiety is still there but i can tell it's not as bad as it was before! it's kind of exciting i went to drum circles, the park, friends' houses, all in the last week...

 

I'm new so haven't had a chance to read this conversation before. I wish I had but anyway it appears you are dealing with your anxiety. GO GIRLxx and remember you will probably have better days than others but onwards and upwards

 

Well, it appears as though you're doing as "well" as you'd like to be? Plus I may not be the best to give "advice" on this specific subject as I've never really gotten much social anxiety, however nearly 4-5 years ago I did put way to much of an emphasis on what others thought of me...so maybe there's something in common with that?

Anyways, I know it's a very cliche response, but seriously what others think of you will only really affect you mentally if you allow it to. Feeling more comfortable with yourself is the key to feeling more comfortable with others. I don't mean that in a vain "how do I look" way, more of an understanding of who you are and what you stand for. Naturally who and what you are is constantly in flux, but to comprehend the fact that you are existing in the present not the past or future (perhaps simultaneously but who knows?) really helps. In other words just be, worrying about acceptance and how to be will only infringe on your ability to truly be in a state of being.

Also, it's great to have human companionship but society all too often over-emphasizes it and makes one feel they must be surrounded by others. Just taking a walk or hike alone, even camping etc... is amazing and you will probably find out more about yourself and in turn be able to better understand others as a result. We're always surrounded by life.....we're just taught to focus mainly on human life...the world and the universe for that matter are much more epic than just our species.

 

etherea, thanks so much for your support i am definitely keeping my head up these days.

Thanks for the words of wisdom. I appreciate your thoughts.
I happen to spend a lot of time outdoors, away from people and the structures of society. I find myself feeling completely comfortable with who I am in those moments and lately I've been holding onto that feeling more when I come in contact with others. You're right - worrying about acceptance has gotten in the way of just being myself. When you're on edge it's a lot harder to just "be."