In A Cage.

[MirandaThePanda]

I feel like I am always in a cage of aniexty. I can never leave the house without make-up on. Feeling like someone is going to judge me or look at me funny. Then I'll feel worse about myself. I hate that. If you have any advice at all or want to know more about my story just let me know. I need some help with this.

Thanks.

[space]

An issue of low self-esteem.

Avoidant Personality Disorder?

Well, at least you aren't self-conscious to the point whereby you do not upload your photo on this site.

So what could your story be? Been teased as a kid?

[donna collins]

Well for me when I feel like that it is because I want attention...I feel better about myself if someone might think i look nice...I think the question is why does it matter. Let's start from there... Why do you feel worse about yourself???

Think about it and let me know.

[Sheri]

People mostly think about themselves and their own lives, like they are on autopilot most of the time. I had a problem with people gossiping about me at one time. My counselor told me gossip is like the news. If you wait long enough, they'll move on to another subject. Hope this helps you feel better too.

[David Norman]

I understand the anxiety, it comes and goes for me, sometimes i get hit for a couple of hours with it, then it goes away. It's hard to know what to do in this situation, I think writing it out on here is a good start or calling someone and talking it out.

God bless
David

[suzyQ]

I think the best way to deal with anxiety is to try to not concentrate on making it go away. Cause that will usually only amplify it. And yes, it is really hard to not concentrate on it, when all you can think of is how to get out of it. But I discovered that if you stop trying to make it leave, It tends to disappear. I read some article about what happens in your brain when you're anxious. What happens is you only use the back of your brain which is about solving problems and finding ways out of situations in order to survive. The front part of your brain is the part that is active when you act like yourself, when you feel connected to God, but also the part where you can feel hopeless despair. In short... when you're anxious, don't try to make it leave, even if that makes you feel desperate. Then call for God, cause when you're desperate, He takes over. And I speak from experience! He'll calm you down. But it takes some exercise. And can be frustrating. But he'll be there to teach you.

[Sheri]

There are exercises you can do. One is called 4 part breathing. I think the steps are that you breathe in for a count of 4, hold for 4, and exhale for 4. Did I get this right, everyone?

The other one is where you lie down on your back or stomach, and beginning with your feet, tense and release each muscle set until you get all the way up. Hold for count of 10. Repeat as needed. This helps me go to sleep sometimes too.