Anxiety been Active?

LaurenPam

This is really stupid i know, i feel daft even typing this but please just want some tips.

Suffering from anxiety now for years especially socially. I've been trying to push myself out there, i know nothing will change if i sit at home. I enjoy exercise so have been going to the gym/exercise class & would love to try & play basketball & football with a local group of ladies.

I just seem to freeze when people are around those eg i can't run. Playing soccer it just keeps running through my mind how fat i look and just what i must look like & what he/she must think of me. I'm ok at the gym when it's quite but have to leave as soon as more then 3 people are in there

The_Honeybadger

Theres nothing stupid about your post. Look in to cognitive behavioural therapy, it’s widely accepted as the best treatment for social anxiety. There’s lots of books on it to get you started. It’s not a magic bullet, it requires effort but is very effective.

Training in the gym is good, as is any activity that you enjoy and that gets you out talking to people. Keep at it, lots of people have beaten social anxiety and you can too.

Rubberchikken

It's not stupid and you've taken a great step.in posting.
Social anxiety is a lot more common than you'd imagine. A lot of people are able to hide it and so others don't notice it.

If you can join this group then do. Look around at others. Everyone looks different. Everyone's a different size. But if they don't let that stop them then you shouldn't either.
Think if how much good it would do. Good lucj

LaurenPam

Thank you guys
I just get so frustrated with myself and feel i'm not improving at all and i'll always be like this. Truth is i'm very lonely. I went to gym this morning & had to walk straight out again, there was so many people there. I'm so embarrassed!!

Vlove

LaurenPam wrote: »

Thank you guys
I just get so frustrated with myself and feel i'm not improving at all and i'll always be like this. True is i'm very lonely. I went to gym this morning & had to walk straight out again, there was so many people there. I'm so embarrassed!!

Good on ya for going to the gym and don't worry about the people there, I'm sure they are anxious too with themselves! Have you tried going to classes to trying to meet new people?

LaurenPam

I have yes but it's very difficult, not many chat.

Vlove

LaurenPam wrote: »

I have yes but it's very difficult, not many chat.

What about other hobby classes you can do outside of the gym? What are your interests

jk23

LaurenPam wrote: »

This is really stupid i know, i feel daft even typing this but please just want some tips.

Suffering from anxiety now for years especially socially. I've been trying to push myself out there, i know nothing will change if i sit at home. I enjoy exercise so have been going to the gym/exercise class & would love to try & play basketball & football with a local group of ladies.

I just seem to freeze when people are around those eg i can't run. Playing soccer it just keeps running through my mind how fat i look and just what i must look like & what he/she must think of me. I'm ok at the gym when it's quite but have to leave as soon as more then 3 people are in there

I can tell you from my own experience playing team sports I am almost positive they are not thinking about you or how fat you might think you are. Most of them will be engrossed in the game or thinking about their own problems.

Team sports games like that are great for bonding and is actually a great inclusive activity to make friends. I hope this helps you and good luck with your exercise regime.

LaurenPam

Not a lot exercise and animals. That's about it. I've been looking up dog shows and went last week to one but again i couldn't stay. There was so many people and i'm on my own. I have no one to go with. Just felt silly

LaurenPam

Thank you for your reply jk23 . Yes i do think team sports would be a good move for me, i just can't bring myself to do it and i'm annoyed at myself. I've always had self image issues

jk23

LaurenPam wrote: »

Thank you for your reply jk23 . Yes i do think team sports would be a good move for me, i just can't bring myself to do it and i'm annoyed at myself. I've always had self image issues

I know how you feel honestly. I play soccer for my local team and we wear skin tight jerseys which always make me feel self conscious when I play. Usually when I get out on the field I forget about that though!
If you are not playing competitively for a team and are not required to wear the same jerseys then you can get really cool loose gear for playing. I find under armour have lovely gear which you can get in your size but in a loose fit which gives you some comfort and looks good too

PerryB78

LaurenPam wrote: »

Not a lot exercise and animals. That's about it. I've been looking up dog shows and went last week to one but again i couldn't stay. There was so many people and i'm on my own. I have no one to go with. Just felt silly

Hi Lauren, I too suffer from some sort of anxiety and exercise definitely helps, I do crossfit which can be very intensive and I find the people in my class are very supportive and helpful. I've done a good few sports but I really enjoy this one and there is a camaraderie between the members which I enjoy. Team sports are great too and no one is noticing what u are like but how u can help them and how they can help u for the teams sake. I need to try something for my anxiety but am averse to medication as I'm already on antidepressants, I'd like to do CBT

zoobizoo

HAve a read of The Feeling Good Handbook


As for the gym, I would have been like that years ago... I started going at quieter times to get used to machines and the space. I'd find a quiet corner to work out at first. When I got used to it and started going at busier times, I felt more confident.


Would you hire a personal trainer for a while until you get used to it?

LaurenPam

zoobizoo wrote: »

HAve a read of The Feeling Good Handbook


As for the gym, I would have been like that years ago... I started going at quieter times to get used to machines and the space. I'd find a quiet corner to work out at first. When I got used to it and started going at busier times, I felt more confident.


Would you hire a personal trainer for a while until you get used to it?

No honestly don't think i can afford personal trainer, i'd say i would be just as nervous with one. I'm actually reading thru that book at the moment

LaurenPam

PerryB78 wrote: »

Hi Lauren, I too suffer from some sort of anxiety and exercise definitely helps, I do crossfit which can be very intensive and I find the people in my class are very supportive and helpful. I've done a good few sports but I really enjoy this one and there is a camaraderie between the members which I enjoy. Team sports are great too and no one is noticing what u are like but how u can help them and how they can help u for the teams sake. I need to try something for my anxiety but am averse to medication as I'm already on antidepressants, I'd like to do CBT

Hi Perry, sorry youre going thru the same thing. I will look into crossfit thanks