Hi , Uhm I can’t stop overthinking about every social interaction I have . Even if it’s as small as asking for a pen, I keep dissecting these interactions and I find something weird about me and then I can’t stop worrying about how awkward I am. So I just isolate myself and don’t talk to anyone but then when I stop talking i worry about how quiet i am . This cycle keeps repeating everyday. I feel like I’m never not thinking and Idk what to do . I’m tired . It’s killing me
I feel this on a personal level. The truth is we all care about other people opinion to a certain extent and dealing with rejection really sucks, but I come to find that rejecting any social interaction brings about worse consequences in the long term.
Yes a lot of negative emotions involved when socializing like discomfort, anxiety and sadness to deal with, but its a matter of dealing with negative emotions in the long run.
Dear @user916,
That sounds incredibly uncomfortable and overwhelming. It must be exhausting to have your mind constantly analysing every interaction so closely. I’m sorry to hear that you’re going through this. It sounds like you’re dealing with a lot of stress and self-doubt around social interactions. Thank you for reaching out to us. It takes a lot of courage to share such personal experiences, and I want to commend you for that. Your strength and resilience in coping with these feelings for so long are truly admirable. Also, thank you for reaching out for support; it is a step in the right direction. Well done!
Feeling nervous in social situations is pretty normal, and lots of people go through it to different extents. Sometimes, even I get a bit anxious in new places, and I end up thinking about what I’m doing too. This is just our body’s way of telling us that we want to fit in and be friends with others. Everyone wants to feel like they belong. It’s a natural thing that helps keep us safe, but sometimes it can make us worry too much, especially if we’ve had bad experiences before. It’s like our brain’s software needs an update. We can do this by taking small steps to feel more comfortable in social situations. That way, our brain won’t think social stuff is scary.
May I please invite you to consider trying the following steps to help manage these feelings:
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Practice Mindfulness: Try to stay present in the moment instead of letting your mind dwell on past interactions or worry about future ones. Mindfulness techniques like deep breathing or focusing on your senses can help bring you back to the present.
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Challenge Negative Thoughts: When you catch yourself overthinking or worrying about how you come across in social situations, challenge those thoughts. Ask yourself if there’s any real evidence to support them, and try to reframe them in a more positive or realistic light.
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Set Realistic Expectations: Remember that nobody is perfect, and it’s okay to make mistakes or have awkward moments in social interactions. Try to set more realistic expectations for yourself and accept that not every interaction will go perfectly.
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Gradual Exposure: Instead of avoiding social situations altogether, try gradually exposing yourself to them in small doses. Start with low-pressure situations and gradually work your way up to more challenging ones.
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Seek Support: Consider talking to a therapist or counselor who can help you work through these feelings and develop coping strategies. They can provide a safe space for you to explore your thoughts and feelings without judgment.
Here are some additional resources for you to consider:
Rescue Session: https://mindline.sg/youth/rescue-sessions
Learning Paths: Learning Paths | mindline.sg
Feel More Control: Mental Support & Wellbeing Resources in Singapore to Improve Your Mental Health | mindline.sg
Be Kind To Yourself: Mental Support & Wellbeing Resources in Singapore to Improve Your Mental Health | mindline.sg
Box Breathing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a7uQXDkxEtM
Progressive Muscle Relaxation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w4gJuAyPxUk
Managing Feelings & Emotions: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vs-MyQgfH3A
Defeating the Automatic Negative Thoughts (ANTS) in Your Head: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=74ohWaUttsE
I hope the above strategies are helpful; please try them out and let us know how things are.
If you have any questions or would like to share more, just hit reply! We’re hear to listen to you. Your feelings are valid and you matter!
Warm regards,
CoolBreeze =)
Yeah ,you’re right… it’s better to face that fear
Thank you so much
hi @user916
You’re most welcome.
Fear can feel overwhelming, and that’s completely normal. It’s designed to protect us from danger, like encountering a tiger in the wild. Our bodies have evolved this way. However, it’s important to help reprogram and teach our brain and body that interacting with someone isn’t the same as facing a tiger, even if it feels that way sometimes.
You don’t have to face your fears alone—please reach out for support.
Take good care of yourself and remember to take things one step at a time.