|
Phobia of people?
So, I used to be a rather social child, even with strangers (not safe, I know), but I had tons of friends and I was a bit of a wild child. For some reason, at the beginning of this year, I suddenly don't like people. I mean, I don't mind watching people, but it's being around them. Like, if I go to the mall, I get super nervous and I've almost hyperventilated once. My mom says I'm just being a dramatic teenager, but I don't think so. I just get afraid that people are watching me or that something bad is gonna happen and it twists up in my gut and everything. And I always go with my gut instincts because a couple years ago, I got a bad feeling in my stomach the day someone jumped me at school (for hanging out with someone else). Do I have a phobia of public places and people in general? I'm just curious, because I really don't mind being alone. In fact, my best days are when I'm completely alone in my room with the computer... I'm sure that's unhealthy, though.
[ ]
Want to answer more questions in the Health & Fitness category?
Maybe give some free advice about: Mental health?
This is classic symptoms for panic and anxiety disorders. I can say that having gone through it. It's a medical issue and that's why you have rapidly gone from social butterfly to terrified of people and well, frankly your shadow.
It's not normal to enter a mall and feel all eyes are on you and then start to hyperventilate. Nor is it normal to fear or avoid public places due to unfounded reasons that are in the end quite strange to others.
It's highly likely a mental health problem a panic or anxiety disorder (a minor issue) that needs addressed by a psychiatrist (not a therapist or family doctor) and medication and counseling that will eventually have you triumph over it.
Your mom's view of you being dramatic isn't correct. Tell her that you have read on here and elsewhere that the problem you have issues with could be medical and an anxiety/panic disorder that won't just go away. For your peace of mind see a doctor. It's better to do that than continue to suffer even if it's nothing. But yes, something isn't normal or right about this situation.
]
From the info you gave, it seems like you could have social anxiety. When you are around a lot of people, do you feel like people are watching you and judging you? There are many symptoms of social anxiety, and it shows itself differently from person to person. For example, some people panic at the thought of making a phone call but don't mind grocery shopping, while others are the opposite. Anyway, if going to the mall affects you this strongly, you might want to talk to a therapist or psychiatrist. Both talk therapy and medicine have been shown to help.
Even if it only seems like a mild problem now, it could become more of a problem later. In high school, you can get your family to set up doctor's appointments or make phone calls to the school for you. But when you live on your own, suddenly you have to handle all of that (and more) on your own. If possible, you should start dealing with this now, when it mainly affects your ability to date/go to the mall/go to parties, rather than later when it could keep you from finding a job or going grocery shopping. If your mom isn't taking you seriously, try talking to your school counselor. He/she is probably your best bet for showing your mother that this is more than just teenage drama.
Also, be aware that all of us on Advicenators are just random people on the internet. I can't tell you for sure that you have social anxiety; only a doctor can tell you that. But I have social anxiety myself and your case seems similar. If you feel like this is interfering with your life, you should definitely talk to a doctor about it.
Here is a website with some general info on social anxiety: [Link](Mouse over link to see full location)
There is information about what it feels like as well as statistics and info on treatment. I hope this helps. :)
]
Sounds kind of like me. I was a wild child, too and had no fears. I would make friends pretty easily, but now I'm more cautious. I'm more pleasant than friendly to people I don't know. I guess it's normal because nowadays, you just never know who you're dealing with and it's best to be sure about who someone is before opening up.
I also spend a lot of time alone in my room on my computer. I'm an introvert. Nothing wrong with that.
Maybe you have some insecurities to deal with which is making you feel paranoid in public. Figure out what they are, so you can change the things that are making you insecure or learn to accept them.
]
More Questions: |