[magicalprince]

It occurred to me that actually I feel pretty ashamed of experiencing anxiety. I mean it's bad enough just to experience it in the first place but then I actually feel ashamed of it on top of that. I try to cover up anxiety by pretending I just didn't want to do the thing that makes me anxious, or finding reasons why I didn't absolutely need to do it, instead of admitting to myself or others that the reason I didn't do it is purely just because I'm anxious.

For most of my life I actually hid from other people (and tried to deny) that I experienced anxiety and didn't want to look (or feel) vulnerable. I find it really hard to explain to people that I'm feeling anxious and that's why I don't want to do something. I just pretend I don't want to do it for some other reason, but I think that's a bad habit... because I start forgetting what it is that I actually want and don't want versus what would make me anxious and I start putting my own self on the back burner.

I tend to want to feel like anxiety "is never an excuse" to avoid, but actually sometimes my anxiety is genuinely too much to cope with. But it's like, missing out on things I want to do is bad enough on its own, without having to sit there hating on myself on top of that.

Does anyone relate?

[bobcat21]

I still hide it from people. I mean a few and only a few people now but mostly I keep my cards close to my chest. I sadly lost a friend and a boyfriend from opening up to my illness so it’s very very hard opening up to people. I feel ashamed now I know some people based on prior experiences opening up and letting my guard down gets me hurt. I am sorry you are feeling this way you are not alone.

[bluckey2]

Showing your anxiety is showing your vulnerability which people will respect you for and admire your courage in doing so. It's nothing you need to hide or be embarrassed about.

[Marla500]

I experience this often, especially when I don't function as well as I could because of it. I'm older and my family understands and that does help, but I still feel shame over my anxiety. Depression is often present and that makes it worse of course.

[Albie]

I felt the same being ashamed of my anxiety, I too have declined situations where I feel mine will start acting up