Is Going Out In Public Stressful? (Here's What To Do)
HTML-код
- Опубликовано: 15 июн 2020
- According to a recent survey in early May, 64% of people in Ontario reported that it was stressful to go out in public.
And with the economy beginning to reopen in Ontario and restrictions continuing to loosen in the coming weeks, feelings of stress and anxiety are likely to rise.
RESOURCES & LINKS:
____________________________________________
Majority of Canadians find it stressful to be out in public amid COVID-19: globalnews.ca/news/6932343/co...
Momentary negative affect is lower during mindful movement than while sitting: www.sciencedirect.com/science...
Kindness reduces avoidance goals in socially anxious individuals: link.springer.com/article/10....
Mistakenly seeking solitude: psycnet.apa.org/record/2014-2...
The Neurobiology of Giving Versus Receiving Support: journals.lww.com/psychosomati...
____________________________________________
First, you want to have a plan before you go out.
Create an anxiety hierarchy and start by visiting the places that cause the least amount of anxiety before attempting to visit places that produce higher levels of anxiety.
Second, make sure that both your mind and body are calm before you go out in public.
Your anxiety level is bound to rise when you go out, so you don't want it to be too high before you start.
Third, slow down in public. You've already done a safety assessment, so now the goal is to associate being calm and relaxed with being out in public once again.
Fourth, use mindful walking. This will help you stay in the present moment, promote calm feelings, and help you avoid engaging with anxious thoughts.
Number five, engage in acts of kindness. A smile, a quick "hello," and a compliment not only helps other people feel good but also lower your feelings of anxiety.
And lastly, socialize in public. Whether you know the person or not, socializing helps to lower anxiety and creates a greater sense of normalcy everyone.
If you are experiencing challenges implementing these steps, please contact us @ www.drsullivan.ca
Subscribe: / @sullivanandassociates
Find us on Facebook: / sullivanpsychology
And on Instagram: / sullivan.clinical.psyc...
#Stress #COVID19 #MentalHealth 
Хобби
Talking to people..I can talk to one person but if there more people in the room or around me or I know they can hear me I don't like to talk because I feel like they judging how I sound or judge the why I look
Same issue with me as well, how to resolve
@@sportsxyz3495 I have no idea what to do but it is sad...
Hey @ayyotube5224 and @sportsxyz3495, I totally get where you're coming from. Social situations can be overwhelming, especially when you feel like you're being judged. You're definitely not alone in this. Sometimes taking small steps like practicing one-on-one conversations and gradually exposing yourself to larger groups can help build your confidence. But remember, each person's journey is unique, and it's okay to seek professional advice for personalized coping strategies. Thanks for sharing your experiences; it's conversations like these that help us all feel a bit less isolated.
Thanks but I would have to disagree with what you said every some guys have it easier then others when it comes to meeting women females not giving eye contact is a sign of distrust and and basically a form of rejection women can reject guys physically too like walking another direction avoiding eye contact basically women are not checking for me or they find me unattractive so what you’re saying I disagree if a dude to them is attractive they will look at that guy for a long time and flirt with that guy if you unattractive to them they will ignore you or avoid you I’m average looking I’m 5 9 so most females date tall slim athletic types money plays a factor too so and being around more positive people is not gonna change my circumstances women are the way the are it doesn’t matter where you are in life if they don’t like you they don’t like you that’s it I’ve been single 39 years never been married no kids so what can you tell me I live in a crappy neighborhood I’m sure you’re Caucasian that’s your opinion being a black man you can’t relate to me and how it is to be me it’s easy to have an opinion on someone you don’t know do you know what it like to struggle or have to worry about your own people black people trying to hurt you to survive what can you tell me about women that I don’t already know that advise may work on somebody else not me cause women don’t like me I get ignored by them out of hate feminism is a the reason why would
It not be social media too I’m not tall I’m not in shape I’m not attractive to women so I gave up talking to them cause I’m sick of they’re bs always saying they have a boyfriend making stupid dumb excuses to not talk to me screw these women sick of them I don’t hate women I hate there ways it’s sickening to know nobody wants you you can’t understand that you probably have a girlfriend or a wife so save it don’t need your help you’re advice is pointless cause at the end of the day I go to sleep alone I wake up alone I go out alone I was born alone I’m gonna die alone unlike other guys who have everything easy in life no sex no marrige no kids I’m screwed for life I’m an incel loser women do not like me cause guess what if they did I would have one so bye this introvert socially awkward outcast doesn’t need help you can’t put me with other guys and say I’m the same as them bs
It is literally able to ruin a life, I know it has mine for over 30 years, I had a good spell for a while but nope im pretty bad again. Im an average to good looking perfectly normal guy, I know this and I know no one will look at me and think anything different but it just takes hold, then I panic more about managing that feeling and the anxiety than I do what I am actually doing whether it is walking, yep it can actually cause me to walk funny and almost forget how to, driving is some how better depending on where I am driving and why. Getting a bus alone ? No chance, going to a shopping centre/super market alone? No chance. Then I am angry because anybody I let know about this seems to mistake it for me being scared, I am not scared of anybody and am more thna capable of taking care of myself, it is not fear from people physically. For me this issue started way back in college and I have no idea why, I remember it clearly even though it 30 years ago now that for no reason I can see or remember or tell I started to take back roads on my way walking to college instead of the busy main roads but even that became almost impossible and so slowly I stopped going often and then was kicked out. I started to prefer it being dark outside than say mid day as for some reason in the dark I was able to walk with much much less anxiety. Gradually I lost all friends because any invites to places, any thing to do with going out etc etc as friends all do right, I found excuses not to. At one point and even still now even talking on the phone or answering it was a major issue. I probably spent the next 15 years from college quite secluded and "happy" in doors, i say happy but I never was. I am 49 now and sick of it and think I have spent over half my life with this controlling me, lets have half without it but it just is not that easy and it is just not working, nothing seems to. What is frustrating is I know everything I think is wrong, I know everything is not how I think it is and people just are not looking and caring or anything like I convince myself and I know it is all in my head but how can I know that and yet tell myself really that it is all how I think? It is so frustrating. I am convinced people look at me, people judge me, people speak about me all sorts, it actually caused aggression when I were younger which is still inside of me in a big way but I think with age and experience of handling it I am able to do that but when I think somebody is speaking about me or worse somebody I tell anything about this to does not take me seriously or laughs it off. Anyway I could go on and on because living like that certainly caused a lot of other issues with me but I will stop here, maybe saying all of this just lets others who can relate know they are not alone, I hope anyone with anything like this gets rid of it and I will continue to fight this myself as well. I wish you all of the best and anybody who gets rid of it totally makes me the happiest person ever because I understand what it does to you or done to you
Your story resonates deeply, and it's incredibly brave of you to share your experiences so openly. It's heartbreaking to hear how anxiety has affected your life for so long, but please know that you are not alone in this struggle.
It's completely understandable to feel frustrated and angry when anxiety takes over, especially when it's dismissed or misunderstood by others. It's a real and debilitating condition that affects every aspect of life, and it's not something you can simply "snap out of."
You're absolutely right that the negative thoughts and fears are often irrational, but that doesn't make them any less powerful or overwhelming. It's a constant battle to challenge those thoughts and to remind yourself that they don't reflect reality.
It's inspiring to see your determination to overcome this. Please don't give up hope. There are many effective treatments and coping mechanisms available, and with time and effort, it is possible to manage anxiety and regain control of your life.
Remember, seeking help is not a sign of weakness but a sign of strength. You deserve support and understanding, and there are people who care and want to help you on this journey.
Thank you for sharing your story and for offering support to others who are struggling. You are not alone, and your courage is an inspiration.
1:09 plan
3:06 calm yourself
4:35 slow down
5:38 mindfull walking
6:52 engage in acts of kindness
8:38 socialize in public
Thank you for the helpful breakdown, @bearj9148! Summarizing key points like this can make it easier for viewers to revisit specific strategies or advice. Your structured comment might help those who are looking for quick insights or a recap. I appreciate you taking the time to organize the information this way!
Got it
Bring anxiety level five to anxiety level two
if I were to categorize the places
alone, no anxiety
Clubbing, low anxiety
Afghan restaurant, high anxiety
I also remembered the good times Ludhiana summertime eating mango
make sure your life is better and even good like that time I think the aspect I am missing will be the social aspect but financial and materialistic im doing better
driving pros and cons. Why am I going so far? The cons will be sunshine. Pros I can watch RUclips video, but Conza will be sunshine and meaninglessness.
I also want to consider what kind of socialization do I want will it be Jim second one will be
I fly a lot for work, and I dread having to go through the airport, my anxiety going through the airport is crippling, i often just have to go into the bathroom and just sit there and calm down. Its terrible.
It sounds really tough dealing with that level of anxiety, @Alex-ve8uq. Airports can be overwhelming. Finding a quiet space, like a bathroom, to take a moment for yourself is a smart coping strategy. You might also try using headphones with calming music or an app with guided breathing exercises to help stay calm. Planning ahead can also reduce stress, like arriving early to avoid rushing or using airport services designed to assist travelers with anxiety. Remember, it's okay to ask for help if you need it, and consulting a therapist could provide additional strategies to manage your anxiety more effectively.
I have flown internationally and I can tell you in my experience, Americans really are different. At the airport, you can see how Americans are more vigilant and a little passive aggressive. I think you might want to consider wearing sunglass indoors to help you out. I know it is not a cure to the root of social anxiety, but I know wearing sunglasses outside FOR SURE HEAVILY REDUCES the amount of people that look at you on the sidewalk and reduces the amount of people that react to your presence. The sunglasses are like a reasonable socially acceptable barrier. Yes, wearing them indoors is not perfectly the same as outdoors, but I think it can help. Also, please start reciting 2nd Timothy 1:7 out loud. God tells us He didn't give us a spirit of fear. Anxiety is fear. Please also recite out loud Philippians 4:5-7. God also tells us when we feel fear, to pray about it, then THANK HIM when we are done praying.
Yeah I remember walking onto my first flight and everyone looked fuckin pissed. We were on our way to Hawaii 😂
I think that'll be helpful. Thanx.
I'm glad you found the video potentially helpful, @cooookie6880! Remember, taking small steps and celebrating your progress is key.
My main concern is not knowing where to look when a unknown person faces you while walking.
Any recommendations 😢??
Hi @pematenzin7508, that's a great question and a very common feeling right now. It's easy to get stuck in that "where do I look?" moment. Here are a couple of suggestions:
A Brief Nod: A small nod of acknowledgement can be a friendly, non-verbal way to say "hello" while passing someone. You can keep your gaze neutral and look straight ahead, or briefly glance at the person as you nod.
A Quick Smile: If you feel comfortable, a small smile is another way to acknowledge the person while maintaining your own comfort level.
Focus on Your Surroundings: If you prefer not to engage directly, try focusing your attention on your surroundings. Notice the trees, buildings, or anything interesting around you. This can help redirect your attention and ease any discomfort.
Remember, there's no right or wrong way to handle these encounters. The most important thing is to do what feels comfortable for you. 😊
If this is a exercise that we need to practice than why do so many millions of people get prescribed Xanax for anxiety?
Because it is more difficult than taking medicine, but believe me when I say that they do return after we end treatment because we do not know how to deal with them. Then it's up to individual to decide whether they want to take drugs for the rest of their life or master this (which is also quite difficult).
I'm still having issues.
Thank you for raising this point, @Shawn_Paul, and thank you @Mm-abcsony for your thoughtful response. The use of medication like Xanax is indeed a common treatment for anxiety symptoms and it can be effective in certain situations. However, medications are often prescribed as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include cognitive-behavioral therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions.
It's crucial to note that medication can manage symptoms but often does not address the underlying issues causing the anxiety. In many cases, skills like those discussed in this video can provide long-term benefits and can be used in conjunction with medication as part of a broader treatment plan.
As always, the most effective treatment plan will depend on the individual's specific needs and should be developed in consultation with qualified healthcare providers.
Thank you both for adding depth to this conversation.
I take xanax and it reduces my anxiety a bit, not at all so what this man say completely makes sence and has even helped me 👍
I find it stressful because people exist and breathe and make annoying noises. Who cares about anxiety I just can't handle there being people everywhere 24/7. Talking, breathing, whistling. If they were quiet it would be easier. It has nothing to do with anxiety. Why do all psychologist think being annoyed by sounds can only be anxiety. Why is there no help for people with adhd, who are stressed by sounds and people touching and bumping into you outside. I just want personal space not to cuddle with random strangers in public
Hi @sumbae7668, it's completely valid to feel overwhelmed by crowds and the noises that come with them. It sounds like you're experiencing sensory overload, which can be especially challenging for people with ADHD.
While the video focuses on anxiety, it's important to recognize that sensory sensitivities can stem from various sources, including ADHD and other neurological differences. You're absolutely right that there's a difference between anxiety and annoyance or discomfort caused by sensory overload.
Here are a few things you might find helpful:
Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs: These can create a quieter, more manageable environment when you're out in public.
Sensory-friendly spaces: Look for quieter areas in stores or parks, or plan outings during less crowded times.
Communicate your needs: Let friends or family know about your sensory sensitivities, so they can understand and support you.
Seek professional help: If sensory overload is significantly impacting your daily life, consider consulting with an occupational therapist or other healthcare professional who specializes in sensory processing. They can offer personalized strategies and support.
Remember, you're not alone in this. There are many people who experience similar challenges, and there are resources available to help you manage sensory overload and find ways to enjoy public spaces.
This is the best social anxiety self help vid I’ve ever watched 🥲 Ty so much
I'm so glad to hear that the video resonated with you, @chiasclosetcollections! It's always encouraging to know that the content is making a positive impact, especially when it comes to managing something as challenging as social anxiety. Keep using these strategies, and remember, every small step is progress. Thanks for sharing your feedback! 🌟