How can I get past my fear of going out in public places?
Written by admin on April 13, 2010 – 12:36 pm -
Even at family social gatherings.. I don’t know why but I prefer to be alone because of some sort of fear.. I never used to have this problem until a year or so ago. I feel like if I stay in my comfort zone that I’m protecting myself from something bad that could happen.
Any ideas as to how I can get past this?
Tags: fear, going, Past, Places, Public
Posted in Places | 6 Comments »
By Hotdivababe on Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
Join a club or group that interests you.
By Hot Velma on Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
My brother is on medication for this condition. However, I do not think you are the type to put chemicals in your body? Just start slow and small. You do not have to go out to every gathering, nor do you have to stay the entire time. But slowly add more events and try to stay longer. Think of an excuse ahead of time to get yourself out, and tell yourself you can use it at any time – just not every time. It helps to have a back-up plan!
Good luck
By abeneissa on Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
I thing this is kind of schizophrenia ,and disturbances of self confidence . you fear from the others,because they may discover some thing bad in your personality or something like.That is why you avoid to contact them, are you famous.
By xenypoo on Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
I think I’m your twin. I take Xanax, which helps stop my immediate fear. I take deep breaths every few minutes, as directed I do by my doctor, to calm me, since I am a shallow breather, and the more oxygen intake, the more relaxed you feel, that’s why people when having panic attacks are given oxygen right away.
Go see your doctor. It sounds like you are having anxiety attacks, just like I do.
Try to remember also, that your fears are unreasonable. Talk to yourself, put reason in what you are thinking, ask yourself, what is there to fear? You believe in Jesus Christ, and love Him, yes? He loves you, too, and His presence is with you always to protect you from those things you cannot handle. I should read my own answer over to myself several times until I memorize it! LOL
You’re doing well, my dear, I haven’t been brave enough to ask anthing on this public forum about my condition, so I think you’re much more brave than you realize!
By pachl@sbcglobal.net on Apr 13, 2010 | Reply
One time, a girl told me she had a fear of singing in public.
By coincidence, I happened to be watching a National Geographic video, and I pointed out the African tribal girls unselfconsciously dancing and singing around the fire. I asked, “Do you think any of these girls have this problem?”
She found a group in NYC that has a primitive dance class, where they routinely sing too. It cured her forever.
Now, regarding your problem. Have you thought about taking an acting class? Some people who are now famous actors were painfully shy as kids, and hence their parents enrolled them in acting classes. When you are in a play, you get to be other people. It is very liberating.
If that is too much of a step for you, imagine you are a secret agent, infiltrating a family to get secrets. Imagine one of the members knows something very valuable, and you need to discreetly pry the information out of them.
When you’re playing someone else, your own self gets a breather. Try it.
By beaner on Jun 16, 2010 | Reply
I’m researching this agoraphobia for the first time, because I thought I might have it. When I entered high school I was shy, introverted and never wanted to leave the house except for school, (and even then I sometimes faked sick when I thought I just couldn’t do it that day) but over the years, and with the help of good friends and social experience, I got over that fear, turned into a bubbly, outgoing person with lots of friends. I’m now 20, don’t stay in contact with my friends (which I feel horrible about and don’t know why I don’t call them anymore..) and it seems like my fear of social situations and going out in public has returned. I gained some weight since I graduated, lost a bit of confidence, but was still going out and doing what I had to throughout the day. Now however, I’m paranoid that everyone is looking at me and of what they think of me and I’m honestly scared to death about doing little things like going to the bank, or to the store, or just leaving my house in general. The only time I want to go outside is at night. Wow, just writing this down and reading it back to myself reassures that yes, I probably do have agoraphobia…
I’m trying to get over it, forcing myself to go out and do things, but its difficult, I feel anxious and want to leave as quickly as possible, i start to sweat and my heartbeat goes haywire. Do I have to see a psychologist? Or is there a chance I can work this stupid fear out on my own? I’d really love some good advice.