How to deal with my anxiety

[Alwaysareasontomoan]

Not really an AIBU but posting for traffic. Have two lovely DC and wonderful DH. Great friends but often push people away with dreadful anxiety. I often get anxious when the kids are poorly, stems from my DD being premature and often I'll in her younger years. Also I regularly get low and anxious about my friends. I feel people talk about me, leave me out, think I'm stupid or ridiculous. None of it is actually true but I'm not sure how to overcome it. Crowded situations like school playgrounds and bars and clubs make me panic - I feel judged and that people are looking at me. Crazy I know. I just think one of these days I'm going to push people away and just don't know how to overcome it. Never been diagnosed by a GP.
Anyone have any tips? If be grateful if people in similar situations could let me know how they deal with it. I think the Christmas holidays have most definitely made me low, not many visitors or invites out and the house is a crazy mess with kids new toys.

I have been experiencing high anxiety over the Christmas break especially over social situations and friends. I am very shy but have a close group of friends. I have convinced myself that I am the least liked one in my group of friends, that I am boring and unimportant and that other people outside my friendship group do not like me. My New Years resolution is to try to combat this although I'm not sure how yet! The first thing I have done is to drastically cut down my facebook usage. Sending hugs - I know it is all in my head but that doesn't stop it hurting

Thank you. I do think social media does have a lot to do with it. Going to cut down and see if it helps. Also going to try to do some stuff for me. I concentrate so much on the kids I feel I forget about myself a lot

You are not alone in having social anxiety. Please be kind to yourself and maybe speak to your DH about how you feel and your GP for advice. I think the dark winter months don't help much with feeling low.. But maybe start putting yourself first and work on getting more confident in what you are good at and focus on these things. I had terrible anxiety years ago. Low dose antidepressants helped but the turning point for me was talking therapy (CBT) via a GP referral. That plus good sleep and exercise and joining a local choir - best thing ever for feeling empowered but as a group.