I've worked a LOT on my issues which have included PTSD, social phobia and physical ailments.. The last few days, I've been experiencing really intense feelings of hopelessness and despair..

I feel there's 'still one thing I need to heal from but it's impossible' - or it would take me a lifetime and I would end up having not had a life at all if I attempt it..

I'm not even completely sure what 'it' is.. All I know is I need to be able to be with people! But I'm not able to..

It's not even a case of realising there are good people out there - I know this.. What scares me are the bad people I know are out there, too! I feel as long as I stay at home, people can't hurt me.. But I can't stay at home because I need to work!

I think I need to realise I'm good.. Take courses on boosting my self-esteem or something! And learn to defend myself from people who bully others.. I'm going to start working on this, I feel it's the way out of this dead end.

Thanks for reading, I think I just needed to share..

[LucyG]

One simple way to deal with bullies is to stand up to them. You'd be amazed how much more they'll respect you if you just challenge what they're saying. Don't cower in fear, learn how to nicely stand your ground on whatever someone is bullying you over.

LucyG, precisely! This is exactly how I've been feeling lately.. This is what I need to do!

I've always been the one to cower in fear and let people bully me as much as they want.. No more! I need to find the courage to stand up for myself - it'll also make me respect myself more!

I need to and deserve to take my place in this world and for others to let me live in peace.

Thank you for your wise words

[LucyG]

Originally Posted by not.dead.yet

LucyG, precisely! This is exactly how I've been feeling lately.. This is what I need to do!

I've always been the one to cower in fear and let people bully me as much as they want.. No more! I need to find the courage to stand up for myself - it'll also make me respect myself more!

I need to and deserve to take my place in this world and for others to let me live in peace.

Thank you for your wise words

I'mg glad my advice helped. I learned that years ago with my stepfather who loved to ridicule everyone. Once I stood up to him, he laid off me. Same with the president of our HOA who rules the neighborhood like a dictator.

With social media, we see people publicly shamed for not going along with the crowd regardless of what it is. It's very intimidating, but at some point we all need to learn that we're entitled to our opinions, and how to express what we think in a polite manner.

I try to always remember the proverb that says 'the fear of man brings a snare.' It helps me when I have to deal with large groups of people I'm not buddies with.