Uneasy at work

I am ‘shy’ when interacting with friends sometimes. I hate it when friends think I only do admin because I ‘look a bit shy’. How do I deal with this? Does anyone have the same issue?

Alos, why do I feel uneasy at work when my supervisor impart knowledge to me? Why do I feel uncomfortable and not sure how to respond when my team member said thank you to me for spotting an error and saving the team from potential issue? Why do I feel uneasy and so afraid that people will be jealous at times when I showcase my ability at work? How do I overcome these? Does anyone have the same issues?

Hi @sky1

Thank you for sharing. I believe you are experiencing feelings of shyness, unease, and fear in various social interactions, especially at work. These feelings are understandable and surprisingly common. These feelings may be attributed to:

  1. Social anxiety: Fear of being judged, evaluated, or rejected by others.
  2. Imposter syndrome: Feeling like you’re not competent enough, despite your achievements.
  3. Fear of being perceived as arrogant: Believing that showcasing your abilities will lead to jealousy or negative reactions from others.

To overcome these feelings may I recommend to:

  1. Recognise and accept your emotions: Acknowledge that your feelings are valid and common.
  2. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness, understanding, and patience.
  3. Build self-confidence: Focus on your strengths, accomplishments, and positive feedback from others.
  4. Develop a growth mindset: View challenges and feedback as opportunities for growth and learning.
  5. Improve communication skills: Learn to express yourself assertively, clearly, and respectfully.
  6. Seek support: Share your feelings with trusted friends, family, or a mental health professional.

Regarding your specific situations may I suggest the following:

  1. Interacting with friends: Try to engage in conversations, ask questions, and share your thoughts and feelings.
  2. Receiving knowledge from your supervisor: View it as an opportunity to learn and grow. Take notes, ask questions, and show appreciation for their guidance.
  3. Responding to a team member’s gratitude: Simply say “thank you” or “you’re welcome” and acknowledge their appreciation.
  4. Showcasing your abilities: Focus on the value you’re adding to the team and organisation. Remember that your contributions are recognized and appreciated.

Remember, overcoming these feelings takes time and practice. Be patient and kind to yourself as you work through these challenges. :heart:

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@sky1 It sounds like you’re experiencing some discomfort and self-consciousness in social and work interactions, which is understandable and quite common for many people. These feelings could stem from how we were raised, especially if our environment emphasised humility, keeping a low profile, or avoiding attention. This can sometimes make us feel uneasy when we need to assert ourselves, accept praise, or interact confidently with others.

A potential suggestion for dealing with these feelings is to practice self-compassion and acknowledge that it’s okay to be seen and appreciated. One small step could be to set personal goals in social situations, like consciously practising small acts of assertiveness, such as accepting compliments with a simple “Thank you” or expressing your thoughts during group conversations. Over time, this can help build confidence and ease in your interactions. It’s a gradual process, and it’s okay to take it at your own pace.

Remember, you’re not alone in feeling this way. Many people struggle with similar challenges, and working through them is part of personal growth. :slight_smile:

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Were there trauma events that happened in the past thats related to these issues? Like maybe u were scolded or bullied when you corrected something in school for example. You can trace around and start healing from there via online resources or professional help