Topic: anxiety

Question: I feel really uncomfortable around other people
When I'm in large crowds I get angry and I just can't deal with people. I don't really like other people (I prefer animals) they make me nervous and scared.
   I lay awake at night thinking and having conversations in my head and i almost always end up making myself feel terrible and crying, I have more conversions in my head than I do with actual people.    I don't know what's wrong with me and why I feel this way. What should I do?

Answer (from Dr. Meredyth LawrynceServing Clients Nationwide):
What about large crowds leads you to feel angry? I can
understand your not liking or enjoying being around other people.  Animals are often more compassionate.  It sounds like you experience a lot of social
anxiety?  Would you feel comfortable
starting out with smaller groups of people, maybe people who share your
interest, especially around animals? 
Maybe practice topics of conversation you feel confident to discuss
which could take the pressure off being in a social setting.

Answer (from Damalie NamaleHealing relationships):
Reading this question makes me think of  melancholy and  phlegmatic temperaments. People with such a temperaments do not need to be in large crowds in order to feel included. They actually get so angry if they feel forced to be around people. They need small social settings to feel included and if they do not know this, they feel angry, scared and nervous because it is not their territory. They do not thrive well in big crowds and so they struggle. They also feel more comfortable in small social settings with people that are familiar to them. It's helpful if you can get a copy of your temperament results to help you identify your socializing needs so that you can meet them in a healthy way.The other tendencies melancholies have is that they are constantly thinking and have a fear of being rejected. These are stressful moments that needs to be managed. You can use cognitive behavioral therapy to ration your way of thinking.You may need to develop social and relationship skills so that you do not get overly stressed by relationships.The last thing is that allow yourself to choose the places and the time you can be around people so that you do not feel forced to be around people.

Answer (from Reggie Smith, LPC, CTP, CCATPTexas Couples, Anxiety, Trauma therapist):
One of the things to ponder on is a) how long has this been going on? b) what event/situation occurred during that time? c) what was the story you told yourself about the event?  As an anxiety specialist and sufferer, often anxiety comes from some painful past learning/experience.  Something that may have caused shame, guilt, embarrassment, etc.  Traumatic events (or at least situations that were traumatizing to you) may be of issue.  Anxiety is often caused by either thinking/living in the past or future, as well as comparison to others.  Keeping a thought record, having someone help you identify the core issue and unpack that and re-assign a new meaning to the event, situation and frankly yourself will be invaluable.  Always remember -- Doing the same thing gives you the same results, doing something different, can possibly give you different results.  Keep grindin' (in seeking to learn) and you will rise!

Answer (from Fred RogersQue Sera Sera Counseling ):
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorders and you need to consult a mental health professional.

Answer (from Tara Green, LCSWFeel alive again; solution focused and goal oriented therapy):
It sounds like you may be suffering from social anxiety. People who are socially anxious often feel nervous and scared when they are surrounded by people especially in a social setting. Some people find that although they want to be social and have people to talk to they are scared of being judged, feeling awkward, feeling like they don't fit in etc. If you want to try and get in touch with others start small. Some of examples can be- volunteering at at an animal shelter since you prefer animals, making a phone call to someone you know and feel comfortable with to reach out to,  talk to people via text and/or face-time. Take the time to talk to a therapist about your feelings this can help you sort out your anxiety and be able to overcome it!

Answer (from Michele RameyMRTherapy, LLC- Because Help Is One Of A Kind):
That's a great question. The easy answer is to do some Brain/bodyspotting to explore those feelings and where they manifest or live in your body. I'm curious too how long you've felt this way or if anything triggered it? I would explore this further to find relief.

Answer (from Philippe BowerHealing with Philippe):
First, there is nothing wrong with you. These feelings you are sharing are perfectly normal responses to anxiety-inducing moments in life. As a Clinical Anxiety treatment professional, I would recommend learning some basic coping skills such as deep breathing and grounding techniques. These coping skills can often give you a moment to focus within and use more advanced skills. Racing thoughts and rumination (thinking about the past) can be exhausting, especially when affecting our sleep. Some of my clients have found it useful in their treatment to have a journal next to their bed. Within this journal, they would write down some of the thoughts going through their mind. Other things clients have practiced is sleep hygiene, mindfulness practices, and exercise.

Answer (from Natalie Moore | Holistic Therapy🛋 For creative, ambitious millennials):
First off, I commend your vulnerability in opening up here online about what is going on with you and I’m glad to see you’re wanting to seek answers and help for understanding your situation better. There are many mental health issues that involve an individual experiencing social difficulties, such as the ones you mentioned here. As the therapists here, including myself, have such limited information as to what you’re going through, it would be unwise for any of us to suggest a diagnosis for you. The best option for you would be to see a professional therapist or psychologist who could get the appropriate background information and make an accurate diagnosis. Once you have a diagnosis, then your therapist can make suggestions as to the best treatment plan moving forward, which may include a psychiatric evaluation for medications, ongoing individual therapy and potentially even group therapy. I wish you the best of luck in finding the right professional for you.

Answer (from Laura Zane-NwagbaraochaEmpath, Authentic, Therapist, Wife, Mom):
Hi There...do you find it is just in crowds or do you find it when you are around other people as well? Like if someone is angry you can feel their anger? if they are sad, you feel their sadness?   Are the thoughts and conversations sometimes mean and then you feel guilty, and then feel bad about yourself? Sometimes this happens when people have anxiety, but it can also happen when you are a highly sensitive person. (Check out Elaine Aron's website HSPersons.com). Essentially, HSPs have more mirror neurons (the ones that reflect back to you other people's emotions) in their brain so the pick up other people's energy and then things like crowds can feel overstimulating for them. We then imaging ourselves in other's shoes, and it can create a guilt loop. A good therapist should be able to help you identify what is happening for you.