Not everyone talks about it, but many of us silently live with it—the fear of getting too close, too exposed, too emotionally naked. I used to think it was just me, always dodging deeper connections, but over time I realized this wasn’t just shyness or bad luck in relationships. It was anxiety—a specific kind of…
It crept up on me slowly. I didn’t even notice it at first—just skipped a few hangouts, dodged some calls, told myself I was “tired” or “busy.” Before I knew it, entire weekends would go by without talking to anyone. If you’ve experienced social withdrawal due to anxiety, you know it’s not just about being…
There was a time when just the *thought* of walking into a meeting room full of people would make my palms sweat. I’d play out worst-case scenarios in my head like a private screening of every awkward possibility. If you’re reading this, chances are you’ve been there too. Fear of embarrassment from anxiety isn’t just…
Social anxiety used to hijack my every thought at work, school, and even at casual dinners with friends. I’d replay conversations in my head like they were crime scene footage, dissecting every word I said. It wasn’t until I started trying out actual coping techniques—not just vague “take a deep breath” advice—that things genuinely began…
For as long as I can remember, I’ve had this thing where I’d get super anxious before something even happens—whether it’s a presentation, a trip, or even just meeting up with friends. It wasn’t the event itself that rattled me; it was the *build-up*. This wasn’t just about feeling nervous. It felt like my chest…
Scrolling through perfectly curated feeds, watching people nail public speeches, or reading viral tweets with thousands of likes—social media can be inspiring… until it’s not. I’ve lost count of the number of times I’ve felt my chest tighten after doomscrolling late at night or comparing my messy real life to someone’s digital highlight reel. If…
If you’ve ever watched your child freeze up completely when someone speaks to them—and I mean not just shy or hesitant, but absolutely silent—you might know exactly what I’m talking about. It’s not rudeness. It’s not just shyness. It’s something deeper, more paralyzing. My nephew went through this, and at first, we just thought he…
I still remember my first big presentation in college. I had prepared for weeks, rehearsed every sentence, even color-coded my slides. But when it was time to speak, my heart started racing, my voice cracked, and my mind went completely blank. I was sweating through my shirt before I said a single word. Everyone tells…
There was a time I canceled every social plan for months. I couldn’t explain it—just the thought of being around people made my chest tighten. No one knew because I got good at hiding it. I’d send that “Sorry, not feeling great today” text and hope they didn’t press for details. That’s what anxiety disorders…