I know what u mean...it is exhausting trying to seem "normal" like everyone else.
I dont even leave home but if the phone rings or the doorbell I go into a huge panic about being "normal"...most of the time I just hide or take the phone off the hook.
Hope your day gets better

im sorry for what both of you going through, i understand it, many years ago my thinking was very similar and also years and years before my agoaphobia, this is just suggestion

agoraphobia or social anxiety doesnt mean that we arent normal, only that we have limits in our life caused by agoraphia or social anxiety and less capability or ability to do something before agoraphobia or sad got us

we strugle from day to day with all kinds difficulties that we have, try not to see yourself as not normal, try not to label yourself either

this is much easier to say than change the thinking way, and break that circle of not being normal thinking if you can, that thinking way is it about being normal or anything else about self in repeating and repeating the same thoughts simply goes more into anxiety and phobia

when you catch yourself in the same pattern of thinking try to get your attention on something else, distract youself with anything, find something to do, at first it really doesnt help much and there is thinking no real help trying anything but within time and finding something helpful just to you there comes a little easier to go on with dificulties that we might have

be well and do as you can

Ya. I think I would lose all credibility at work if they knew the challenges I have. No one really knows.whats in my head not even my husband. I once was open with someone and Im sure it was the reason for our breakup. I keep thinking if I pretend I will become normal. Hugs

I know what you mean. The only time I can truly be myself is when I am alone. I constantly worry about my anxiety showing in public or in front of people I am close to. I think they'll stop liking me. It is a constant mask, a constant exhaustion.

I am like that too. Always obsessing about wanting and needing to be normal. I am so worried about what people are thinking of me. Most of the time it feels like they can see right through me. See every mistake that I have ever made and that is very terrifying. Trying to please everyone and trying to be normal is exhausting. I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. Be whoever you want to be. You define your own normalcy. Just be YOU. :)

I do this too. Just to look normal I let others start conversations, lead conversations, and end conversations so that I don't screw them up. And it's exhausting because I'm always nervous that I've screwed it up even if I've barely said a word.

Couldn't have said it better myself.................

I feel abnormal when I'm in public places. I don't think I look normal. I feel stiff and awkward and I think I look stupid to people. The only place I can be normal is at home with my family and pets. They're all I have to talk to, I don't have to worry about being normal when I'm around them.

"Normal" is just a setting on a washing machine! In all seriousness though I do understand how much of a pain in the ass it can be since you're always concentrating on doing everything right so people won't notice you! Kind of like living like a Vulcan which gets very overwhelming after a while!You are so not alone!

how about this for normal.....i'm a social worker....and I have anxiety that interferes with my every day life.....so much so that I have to see a social worker (with the same degree I have) for counseling. There is NO NORMAL! I sometimes think that my experiences with anxiety/panic/agoraphobia help me be a better social worker!

@vdbritton, thanks for posting... after reading your post its awesome that you can be so open and it helps me to realize we are all in this nasty cycle even if we are students, mom's,dad's, educated or not. I bet you are a better social worker because of all your experience with the Anxiety and Agoraphobia. Hat's off to you :-)

I agree with everyone, it is very hard, I also feel awkward and on display, meetings are a nightmare for me. I know sometimes I say things that other people don't get, trying to joke to fit in, but it doesn't work, and I just get weird looks and my boss even mimics me. :( It's not fun, but I need to work to survive, just like everyone else. I have a nice boyfriend, but sometimes I crave alone time with the only person who truly understands, and that person is Me.