Feeling Overwhelmed

[justsayyes]

I can totally relate with you. Social anxiety has cost me so much of my life. So many opportunities I've passed up, so many potential friendships I've wasted because I'm not normal and have anxiety. I don't blame anyone but myself for this and i try not to dwell on lost opportunities either, it would only make me hate myself so much. I've also come to terms that my anxiety is just part of me, so i tell myself not to regret anything that happened in the past and just try to live my life the way i want now.

 

[LovelyLiz]

I can totally relate with you. Social anxiety has cost me so much of my life. So many opportunities I've passed up' date=' so many potential friendships I've wasted because I'm not normal and have anxiety. I don't blame anyone but myself for this and i try not to dwell on lost opportunities either, it would only make me hate myself so much. I've also come to terms that my anxiety is just part of me, so i tell myself not to regret anything that happened in the past and just try to live my life the way i want now. [/quote']
It's easy to beat ourselves up with regret, but at a certain point you just need to try and let go, and live in the moment. Easier said than done, but important, ultimately. We're all flawed, damaged people, so having anxiety doesn't make us any more flawed than others.

 

[rz3300a]

It can take bravery to be honest with friends about our weaknesses' date=' but I find that it helps deepen a friendship when I let them in and trust them with my vulnerable side. And it's better to be honest and let them know that you couldn't make it because you weren't feeling up to it, than having them think that you keep snubbing them because you don't care about them.[/quote']
I am going through this right now, as we speak. I decided to bail on a social event the other week and now I am having to deal with it all. To everyone else it is that I do not care and I am being selfish and just thinking about myself, and in reality I was sitting alone feeling depressed about the situation. It almost makes no sense when you think about like that, but that is just the way it is for me, and I guess it is hard tor others to understand. Being honest certainly helps, but it is also easier said than done. Thanks for sharing.

 

[LovelyLiz]

No worries RZ, sharing is what this type of messageboard is for. I've certainly been where you are a few times, including pretending to be ill to avoid situations that make me feel overly anxious. Accepting this weakness in ourselves is the first step towards dealing with it.

 

[aimeepoo]

I always feel overwhelmed with life in general. I think counseling would be good for you. Also, I would explain to your friends that you have anxiety issues. If they are any type of friend at all then they will definitely understand. Sadly, as we grow older friendships do tend to diminish though. Keep that in mind. It isn't usually anyones fault but it is just how life goes. I no longer really have any friends..part of it is likely due to the anxiety issues but the majority of it is due to the friends moving away or something. Try not to stress..things will be okay.