panic when socializing

CautiousKat · Post by **CautiousKat** » Wed Feb 25, 2009 7:20 am

I have always been uncomfortable in social situations my whole life. I have had some encounters that go very well, and I walk away feeling great. Other times I feel on the verge of a panic attack. Today while shopping I ran into an old friend I haven't seen in a while. It started out okay and then I felt myself getting warm and my heart beating fast. My biggest problem is not being able to breathe. It's very hard to hide this when talking to someone. I probably sounded like I had just run a marathon. I was really embarrassed by it. It didn't go into full panic, and it did start to go away toward the end of the conversation, but I can't help thinking she noticed my breathlessness and nervousness. I don't know why sometimes I can have good encounters and then other times not. Today really shook me up and I'm concerned about the next time I talk to someone.

I'm just really feeling bad right now and thought I'd visit this forum and maybe get some encouragement and advise from all of you. Thank you for listening.

Kathy

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 7:02 am

Hey!!
I just noticed nobody posted on here!!
I use to be justtt like that..and some days I do still feel that "rush"
All that feeling is..(the heart racing...breath;lessness) is you being over excited.

First thing though..dont get down on yourself for it...its NO big deal! Hey it happened

Second..im sure your friend didnt even notice!! She was probably was so into the convo she didnt notice..and if she did who cares...what make her to judge you??

You will be fine!! And good job for even finishing the convo!!!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Thu Feb 26, 2009 4:49 pm

Hey Kathy I think the best part about your post is that when you felt like that and you didnt run. You just talked right through it. That is awesome. For all your friend knows you did just get through walking fast around the mall or working out. I do the same thing when I am talking to people sometimes. I keep having to take deep breaths and think "I wonder what they think of me right now" I blame it on allergies. HEHE I can relate with the social anxiety. I always wonder if they think I am talking to fast or know I have anxiety.
Give yourself credit for your progress!!!

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Fri Feb 27, 2009 6:18 am

Thanks for responding to my post. I really appreciate you both taking the time to encourage me. I don't know why, but I'm just so concerned about other people's approval. I feel like they are sizing me up and making judgments about me. It's all about confidence and teaching myself that it really is okay to be me. I have always felt different and not good enough. I have been quiet all my life for that reason. It's a roadblock to anything in my life that I might want to do.

Anyway, thanks so much for listening!

Kathy