[sinking]

i've become scared to answer to even my own threads.
any idea why this is happening?

Yes, I have some thoughts but I'm not sure they would be helpful. Just keep trying. Write posts even if you don't post them... but try to post them and break through that barrier. You have things to say... don't be afraid to say them.

Originally Posted by sinking

i've become scared to answer to even my own threads.
any idea why this is happening?

Hi sinking,

You have over 700 posts, so when did you start feeling this way? Was there a specific reply to one of your posts that frightened you? If you do receive a reply that you feel is not within our Community Guidelines you should report the reply. This is done by clicking on the triangle on the lower left part of the screen. The Team (Moderators, Super Moderator, Administrators and DocJohn) will follow up and take any and all necessary actions.

Nobody should ever feel scared to post.

[Skeezyks]

Hello sinking: I think a lot of this has to do with one's general level of anxiety. I think, over time, anxiety can spread into areas of one's life it may not have greatly affected previously. The more anxious (& fearful) you are in general, the more troublesome it can become.

I have a similar problem. In my case, my anxiety (related to posting & reading posts here on PC) relates to the fact that things I have posted in the past have drawn some mean-spirited replies. I tend to be thin skinned & react poorly to replies such as these. So in order to insulate myself, I seldom post my own Threads & I don't subscribe to any Threads I reply to. That way, even if someone does leave a mean comment on one of my replies, I don't see it. I probably miss out on reading some very nice comments as well. But that's a trade-off I have to accept in order to continue on here.

Anyway, I hope you can find a way to overcome your fear, here on PC. It may be as simple as modifying your settings here on PC, or this may be a sign that your overall levels of anxiety & fear are expanding. If that is the case, then this may be something you'll want to talk about with any mental health professionals you have in your life.

[sinking]

yes, i did get a response that hurt me. but not every one is the same so i'll try to keep this in mind and answer as much as i can to the people who took the time and kindness to answer my threads. thank you.

I feel the same way. Between replies that ended up hurting my feelings and a general sense that I don't belong here (or anywhere) and that I don't feel like other people can relate to or understand me, I've started posting less and less over the years I've been on here. And when I do post it usually takes several hours/days to convince myself it's ok to do so. I do hope you don't get to the point that you're too anxious to post even when you really want to like I have.

[seesaw]

I had the same fear after getting some mean-spirited responses to a thread I posted. It really upset me what those people said and was uncalled for. But I talked it out with people who know me and they were like, those people are crazy. Lol. Aren't we all here?

I hope you'll overcome your fear of posting and realize that a few mean-spirited people don't make up the majority of the very nice people who are here that want to support you.

Seesaw

I do this sometimes, but I challenge my fears and doubts and try to post anyway. Sometimes I delete my posts after posting them. But I think the sheer act of writing for me is reliving when I have strong emotions. Usually I get some empathetic responses which makes me feel even better, but sometime I got criticism and I went down. I blocked the people who keep criticizing and I don't see their posts anymore, which is the best thing I've done in these forums. So, I guess I would say keep trying to post what you want to say and how you feel, and if there are some people who annoy you, just block and ignore them.

[AbbyNormal2]

Originally Posted by sinking

i've become scared to answer to even my own threads.
any idea why this is happening?

I know when I am having a bad episode of depression MMD I can't even look at my laptop without anxiety. I don't check emails, go on forums or even look at text on my phone. It is a sure indication that I am overwhelmed and in a depressive state. If this is a similar response for you some help may be needed to overcome the anxiety. When I am in a similar state I need to see my psychiatrist, therapist and/or go to a crisis care hospital. I hope you are able to get some help and are feeling better soon.

[sinking]

Thanks, i've built up some courage and did answer to some emails. im always worried i talk too much or say stupid things... thanks for the encouragement!