Agoraphobia & Social Anxiety Support Group
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder, often precipitated by the fear of having a panic attack in a setting from which there is no easy means of escape. As a result, sufferers of agoraphobia may avoid public and/or unfamiliar places. In severe cases, the sufferer may become confined to their home, experiencing difficulty traveling from this "safe place."
Every time I am in a public place alone I feel like literally crying. I hate making eye contact with people, I hate the idea that people can see me... The thought of going out into the world without a friend or family with me makes me panic. I've been like this for 6 years almost. When I tell people what's going on with me in public a lot of them don't take it seriously. Going out in public is like going to the dentist for me. I try to avoid it until I literally can't anymore. Any suggestions or coping skills someone can offer? When I'm on the phone with someone it helps a lot but I can't always call someone. Looking around makes it worse, especially if the area is crowded. I'm not that jumpy when people touch me or bump into me. I'm more afraid of making eye contact and having a conversation.
When I was younger I had a lot of issues with eye contact. I always felt like it was disrespectful to look people in the eyes, which is really interesting because I was also taught that you should look someone in the eyes when talking. I learned a trick that I kind of still use today. There is a spot on the bridge of the nose that when you look there seems like you are looking people in the eyes. This trick helps in smaller groups. In large crowds though, just keep your eyes on necks and chins...
Plenty of Hugs and a reminder that you are Perfect the way you Are!