My Self Consciousness is Ruining My Life
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| Thu, 08-16-2007 - 6:01pm |
Hi. My problem is really two problems. The first I seemed to have suffered most of my life and the second, in the last few months.
My first problem is one that I didn't realise was a problem until I spoke to other people and read about it. Here goes: I am constantly occupied with what other people think about me, whether they like or don't like me. This isn't just with people I know, it's strangers, the public, people at work or who I'm around in town or passing on the street for instance.For example, before going into the supermarket I will feel really self conscious and run scenarios through my head about what people think about me or how they will see me. Even being at the check-out counter in a queue will make me feel self-conscious as I think about how others around assess me. This isn't normal, right? I am never relaxed when I talk to someone as I'm constantly thinking that they think I'm talking rubbish or look/act in someway stupid. In social situatons I can't relax and I feel like I am always pretending to be confident. To others I am, but inside I am crying.
This has always ruled my life but I'm realising it's ruining my life. I attract people who abuse my friendship/relationship. Most recently, I'm still in contact wth an emotionally abusive ex and broke friends with a girl who constantly took me for granted and betrayed my trust..I constantly change jobs due to feeling I don't fit in or because I feel uncomfortable about someone who I think doesn't like me rather, than havng the confidence to bite the bullet or stand up for myself.
Now I've started a job I really want and it pays extremely well but in my head I think I'm not good enough to do it and can't believe the company has employed me, such a fraud. It calls for me to do presentations which I have done once but they fill me with dread. I'm scared because I don't want to leave this job. It's my third day and already I'm dreading walking into the office, worrying what to say to people and worrying that I'll not fit in, or be as confident/funny/clever as the others in my team. I really want some help on how to overcome this.
My second problem is that in the last couple of months I find it so hard to get out of bed in the morning. I feel down in the morning, feel like staying in bed and ignoring everything and find it hard to motivate myself to do much other than go to work. I avoid what few friends (often arguing with them or feeling they are being negative towards me) I have now left and whereas once I was fit and regularly went to the gym, it's a struggle now. I'd rather eat, surf the web every evening and avoid talking to my mum and dad who sit downstairs.
I'm 32, have been single for 2 years and feel very lonely. On the outside to others I'm confident, very attractive, friendly and outgoing. I seem fine but really I'm not. I just want to be happy, relaxed and normal. Sorry this is so long but this is the first time I can let my feelings out and your help would be appreciated.
Thanks

well, we all get to a point in our life when we start to care more about what we think of ourselves than we do what other people think of us.
i think when that happens you start to question everything about your life. do you even know what you want out of life? Sounds like you've been depressed recently and that is really tied into your greater issue about figuring out who you are or want to be (vs. what you want other people to see you as) and what you want to create in your life.
maybe talking with a dr. like the one here to help you in the short term with your problems.
What you are is codependent - I know, as I was once like you are now, once upon a time. It took a lot of reading, soul searching and really working on myself, but 5 years on from that discovery, my life could not be more different. Please look into codependency; if you understand what it is and how you can heal yourself from it, the world really will be your oyster.
Wishing you the best.
Coolas
Welcome to the board girlagogo,
I am sorry that you are having these problems. You need learn to love yourself. I think you would really benefit by getting some individual counseling. It would really benefit all aspects of your life.
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