Posted by ROO on December 18, 2002, at 9:18:52
In reply to Social Anxiety or Paranoia? Help, I'm freaking out, posted by Alara on December 18, 2002, at 2:33:27
Honey, give yourself a break...you are going through
ALOT....new job after a long time of not working, break up
with a boyfriend that was somewhat damaging to your self esteem...trying
to be off meds too....that's ALOT.No, you are NOT a freak, I have felt that same way at work and
other situations....hear people laughing and think they are laughing
and gossiping about me, etc, to the point where I'll make myself miserable
over it. Yes, I've done that. It's also hard when you first start working
someplace and you don't know anyone...that's enough to make anyone feel insecure
and awkward.Sounds like you need to take a big breath, give yourself a break, realize you
are going through an awful lot and try and say as nice as things as possible to
yourself. Sometimes a mantra helps me...I'll say I'm the opposite of what I'm
feeling I am. If I feel like a big ogre that nobody could love, I repeat over
and over to myself "I am loving, I am healing, I am joyful" over and over again to
counteract the negative voices in my head. It sounds corny and Stewart Smalley, but
it works for me, so who cares?Meds have helped me alot with that sort of paranoia, but I know it's not the answer for
everyone. Maybe they could just help you through the transition, until you've adjusted to
your new situation. Changes always cause big time stress and then stress triggers "shit", I believe
is the technical term, in our heads.....Be nice to you--No more calling yourself a Freak!
As my friend used to say, that's "bad word magic"...practice
good word magic instead..."I am loving, I am graceful, I am peaceful".....
poster:ROO
thread:33537
URL: http://www.dr-bob.org/babble/social/20021218/msgs/33552.html