mak62184 said:
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I am afraid of talking to people, I always hope people will come and talk to me, but that is not always the case. When I end up looking like a wallflower, I feel like such a loser. I also always get the fear that nobody wants to talk to me because I'm not pretty enough.
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I have Panic Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Both are much better due to helping myself by going to therapy.
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Phone calls have become nearly impossible because I just have the fear that people will think I'm an idiot for calling or like I am wasting my time.
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That's not good, and entirely irrational (no offense!) Anxiety is ALWAYS IRRATIONAL.
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I think this is also affecting me from getting a full time job.
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Quite probable, if the reason for you not having a full-time job (and you need one) is because of your personal anxieties.
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I have graduated from college and have my B.A. in Communication Studies.
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Hardly the profile of a "loser." I'd say it's a great accomplishment.
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I have a job I absolutely hate right now, but I can't quit because I have nothing else.
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A lot of people don't like or hate their jobs, but stay with it anyway, even if other options are available. That is simply asking to hate your life. Actively look for other jobs, even if they are in other geographical areas. You didn't pay all that money to go to college to work in a job you hate.
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And does this just happen to me, or does it happen to others of you too? Sometimes these thoughts and fears I have get so intense that I end up in tears over absolutely nothing. I always believe I am not going to amount to anything at all. And so far, I feel like it's true.
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No, it definitely happens to others too, but it doesn't have to be this way. It sounds like you have created for yourself what they call a "self fulfilling prophecy." Just remember that these thoughts are cognitive distortions, as they represent completely black and white thinking. It's extremely common for people suffering from anxiety and depressive disorders to have cognitive distortions. Cognitive distortions are absolute misrepresentations of reality, and can be defeated through therapy.
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I actually did not start having extreme panic attacks until 2 years ago. It was the weirdest thing ever.
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Panic attacks are terrible. Are you sure they are panic attacks though, since you haven't been diagnosed with anything? In any event, they are very treatable with cognitive-behavioral therapy. So are depression and other anxiety disorders. I really hate to hear that your having such a difficult time, and keeping it a secret from everyone you love and care about. Why make yourself suffer? Your obviously not as stupid as you might feel about yourself (unrealistic expectations? self-loathing? comparing self to others?). I REALLY suggest seeking a cognitive-behavioral oriented psychologist. It is really helpful, believe me.