[meetlaw]

I have Scheuermann's Disease which means my spine is abnormal and affects my posture and often my back is tense. In the past I would try to relax my back and while doing so I would let my vision fixate on others. People didn't understand this and started to stereotype me as a troublemaker. I couldn't relax in my apartment because people would look in to my apartment expecting me to do something offensive. I would also go to places where even the employees would treat me badly. I had to move back with my parents who live in a closed subdivision. I was able to relax and I practiced tadasana everyday which improved my posture. Now I don't do the things that got me in trouble in the first place. However, I went back to my apartment yesterday and made a tiny fidget and got the feeling that somebody caught and tried to shame me for. I am told I have low self esteem by my psychiatrist. I don't want to go back and have the previous situation repeat itself. Any strategies would be appreciated.

[Skeezyks]

I'm sorry you're experiencing this difficulty. I'm not sure what you're looking for in terms of strategies... strategies to improve your self-esteem(?)... strategies to keep from fixating your vision on others(?)... strategies to keep people from looking into your apartment?

Anyway... there are a lot of articles in PsychCentral's archives on the subject of how to improve your self-esteem. Here are links to several of them. Perhaps they can be of some help:

https://psychcentral.com/lib/how-to-...r-self-esteem/

https://psychcentral.com/blog/6-tips...r-self-esteem/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/bluepri...g-self-esteem/

https://pro.psychcentral.com/psychoe...nd-activities/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/self-es...that-can-help/

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/your-...e-self-esteem/

https://psychcentral.com/lib/building-self-esteem/

https://blogs.psychcentral.com/culti...e-self-esteem/

[arabianhorselover]

What do you mean when you say people are looking at you in your apartment?

[meetlaw]

Originally Posted by arabianhorselover

What do you mean when you say people are looking at you in your apartment?

I have a spinal condition which causes bad posture. In the past I had a difficult time in social situations because I was never comfortable. Sometimes the tightness in my back would cause me to look askew and people thought I was purposely trying to offend them. I then would go into public trying to be normal but always making a mistake or two and people just started watching me every time I appeared. This followed me into my apartment.

[arabianhorselover]

I meant how can people see you in your apartment?

[meetlaw]

Originally Posted by arabianhorselover

I meant how can people see you in your apartment?

They look through the windows. I have a roommate so I can't keep my blinds closed always.

[Madhuri1]

I'm sorry you're dealing with this

[possum220]

You have nothing to be ashamed of. It is good that you have learned ways to improve your posture.

It is possible for you to have a discussion with the people you share your apartment and explain to the fully what condition you have and how it distorts your spine you need them to understand that you feel embarrassed?

Windows can always be covered by lace or some type of light curtain that still lets the sun in but blocks prying eyes. The tensions that you experience at home is not good for your back and anxiety.

People who stare are rude. Maybe if you asked them if they would like to talk to you about something it would break the ice. Otherwise tell them to take a picture because it lasts longer.......