Anxious and paranoid all the time - care too much what people think

[mackabee66]

Hi all

Does anyone have any tips on how to stop caring what people think of me?

I have suffered with a particular type of anxiety for 30 years now. I have always had low energy levels and chronic fatigue. This has affected my walking slightly. I always get people smirking at me in the streets when they see me walking towards them and even work colleagues try and avoid walking anywhere with me.

The more this goes on, the more my brain has reinforced these feelings. This affects every part of my life including going out/not wanting to go out. It has turned me into a very paranoid man.

I am 50 years old and have been suffering with this for 30 years now.

I feel like nothing will ever change.

Mackabee66

[mackabee66]

It really does my head in at work when people constantly smirk at me when they see me walking.

Even colleagues who you share time and conversations with. Don't they realise that every smirk in my direction makes me more anxious and more debilitated.

I really don't understand. I would never do the same back to anyone who I thought had problems.

It really baffles me,

My whole day has been ruined again now by people doing this this afternoon.

[Jugglin_Strugglin]

Hi Macka,

In your first post you wrote " I have always had low energy levels and chronic fatigue. This has affected my walking slightly."

I have been wondering how your walking has been affected. Having a clearer picture will help us to understand what you are going through and to give more appropriate advice in replies.

Lee!

[mackabee66]

Hi Lee

Yes - chronic fatigue has led me to feeling very weak in the legs which has affected my walking. sometimes feel that my legs are not strong enough to support each step. this of course has brought on anxiety with how people perceive me due to this issue.

I have tried exercise which has helped with strength over the last few years but mentally I am still struggling.

Cheers

Macka

[quirkywords]

Hi Macka

I used to worry a lot about what other people think of me. I think it came form being a people pleaser because I wanted everyone to be happy and to like me. I was afraid of any conflict or negative remarks.

I still worry a bit but not nearly as much as I have become more open about who I am.

Sometimes it can be hard to read someone's body language or facial gestures.

Take care

quirkywords

[mackabee66]

Thanks for the advice quirky words.

i too am a people pleaser.

mackabee

[mackabee66]

Hi Lee

which probiotics do you take for your anxiety. I took your advice and have been trying different supplement brands. I found they helped for a while for my mental health but they have started to give me a lot of heartburn now and I have lost a bit of weight (which I don't want to do as I am already too skinny)

cheers

mackabee

[Zeal]

Hey Mackabee,

I apologise for not answering the question you asked in a previous message. I must have misread that part!
I have heard that magnesium is sometimes used as a supplement for anxiety. Using a supplement like magnesium for mild to moderate anxiety, in addition to talking to a counsellor and/or seeing your GP, is fine.
It also depends on the dosage, other help you're seeking and the severity of your anxiety. I haven't heard of taking probiotics for anxiety before. Did someone recommend this? Becoming underweight can cause further health issues, unfortunately. I know this from personal experience. If you're worried about this heartburn and weight loss, seeing your GP is a good option.

I hope you've had a good week!

Best wishes,

Zeal

[mackabee66]

Thanks Zeal.

I have read a lot about probiotics and how improved gut health can help with mind health.

As i say though it seems probiotics can trigger appetite suppression which is not a good thing for me 😞

enjoy your week too

Mackabee