How I Experience Social Anxiety

[Kathy_S]

It feels as though I keep everyone around me at a distance, constantly avoiding any sense of connection or closeness to other human beings. A reflection of my social anxiety and fears around intimacy. With many people I automatically behave stiff and robotic, only talking when a part of me deems it necessary. I rarely ever express any of my real feelings (because god knows what would happen if I did that), even ones of affection or concern and the thought of expressing my emotions makes me feel very uncomfortable. So I tend to suppress everything. This feels very much out of my control making me feel lonely and frustrated. Like no one really know me. Like I'm trapped inside my own head desperately trying to escape but never able to. A prison cell of my own making.

[Doolhof]

Hi Kathy S,

Welcome to the community here on the forum. I am wondering if you have had a chat to your Dr about how you are feeling and if you might consider seeing a counsellor to help you open up a bit more to yourself and to other people.

Recently a psychologist told me that due to past hurts and pain caused in my life, I have closed down, not just tot he pain but to all emotions, the good and the bad. I am wondering if you feel the same way?

For me I am now trying to accept and experience all emotions.

I also find that as I have been "closed down" for a while I find it easier to write about how I am feeling and at times find even that hard to express my feelings and emotions.

I hope you are able to have a greater sense of trust within so you can relearn your emotions!

Cheers from Dools