So there you are – its Saturday night and your ready for the night life, a movie or something that smacks of sociability when you remember, “oh yea I have anxiety so I can’t go anywhere”. Well to be honest that’s me talking to myself but you may have done this yourself a few times.
You just assume that you will either not have a good time, freak out, or want to leave early so what’s the point. This, I think, is such a sad mindset. I admit I can’t drink alcohol anymore because it brings out the nerves but I still enjoy the company of others and I think you should too.
Do you love the cinema but can’t stand big crowds? Well go to that small theater in your city where no one else goes because of the new 100 plex down the street. Hate going to dinner with friends? Then show up a tad late and leave a bit early to avoid bringing out the anxiety hulk in you.
Either way get creative and make an effort to stay in the party. I haven’t jumped to House of Pain’s song “Jump Around” since the late 1990’s but that doesn’t mean I can’t have a good time.
In other words, don’t get so caught up in being nostalgic about how things used to be. Sadly, they may never be the same, but by no means should this dictate how we live our lives – especially when it comes to partying.
And when I say partying I don’t mean wild shirtless frat gigs. But rather the social activities that you enjoy and find more interesting than watching House on a Friday night. Make an effort to stay in the positive side of everything. Having anxiety is enough to make you fatigued, anxious, depressed, and semi-paranoid so the last thing you need is to feel bummed about your inability to feel happiness.
You know the old addage, your life is what you make it. So even though you may not be living it up like before you can still put on some shiny shoes every now and then and see where it takes you.
What will forcing yourself into an uncomfortable situation accomplish besides making yourself uncomfortable. In the same respect avoidance behavior, like going to the smaller movie theatre is just that, avoidant. You will never overcome anxiety that way. I don’t know what the answer is but it certainly isn’t the ones offered in this article. Keep trying though.
Hey George,
Hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to add that “forcing” yourself to do small things can be a good start. What is the alternative? Staying home, forever?
I think that challenging your anxiety is a good thing. And no, going to the small theater is not avoidance, it is a starting point. Think of it like the small pool next to the huge one.
Anxiety is hard to deal with but folding up the tent totally is not the answer – I guarantee it.
Take care.