How do you view people with anxieties and phobias?

[Anonymous]

I have a mild agoraphobia, and sometimes when I feel very anxious, I refuse to go to a certain place (like very crowded classes) . I always think it is embarassing to panick when there's strangers around, because I assume they'll call me "crazy or weird" or even make fun of me. This is depressing me more than the anxiety itself, and I even thought of dropping out my college so that people won't notice me.

What do you say about anxious people? Are you judgmental about them?

[aamy811]

I actually suffered from acute social anxiety for a while. So I'm very sympathetic of anyone who suffers from any anxiety or phobia (unless it's something stupid like homophobia or something). Bu there will be some people who think its a bit strange but that's because they don't understand. Jut like when a little kid sees a disabled person for the first time, they don't quite understand and find it strange. But if you surrond yourself with people who care and properly inform them about your problem, they won't laugh for think your weird. They'll accept you

[SuperNurse42]

I typically don't notice them, but those are normal feelings for a person to have. Everyone has their own anxieties and insecurities, but it's not always as visible as you might think. I don't think you should drop out of college because of it. When those kind of feelings prevent you from accomplishing your goals, you turn the whole situation into a new problem. Just work on coping with your anxieties like we all have to. If it gets too extreme, you could always see a doctor!

[Asker]

I see.. U're right

[RedThread]

We all have anxieties and we are all afraid of something.. The point is though that we can't let these things control our lives because then we wouldn't be truly living.. I used to have crazy fears of crowds so I would slowly expose myself to it in greater amounts to test my tolerance.. I'm not gonna lie it sucked ass but I'm glad I did because I have one less crippling fear to worry about.

[Red_Dragon]

What you described is different than a phobia though.

[Asker]

So you only tried exposure and it worked? sometimes I fear the results to be the opposite if I expose myself to my fears.. And yeah it's really damn crippling !!

[RedThread]

Yeah it was a gradual exposure though.. It wasn't like I just jumped into a sea of people.

[RedThread]

Thanks for MH.

[jmr2191]

I don't view them any different than anyone else. Everyone's got something, so if you've got a phobia, so what? I'd just acknowledge it, try not to put you in such a situation and that would be that.

[Red_Dragon]

I have a phobia too so I know how you feel. I don't see why you'd judge someone with one.

[Asker]

Yeah... But there are common phobias like: spiders (something u don't have to face everyday...) but fearing something like crowded classes, enclosed spaces is an everyday burden..

[Red_Dragon]

My phobia is even worst. I can see it sitting in my house. I can see it going down the road. Hell it has even appeared on my body.

Many people say they have a phobia of spiders and crowds and really don't. It's just they are introverted and/or shy. That has nothing to do with phobias.

[SandPlanet]

I view them as typical humans.

[geri3ttc]

This. Something completely out of the person's control.