These people don't understand my anxiety. What do I tell them!?
I'm hoping that I'm putting this in the right place. Please bear with me! ^u^
There's an event that I have to go to every week during the school year, and this entire year, it's given me lots of anxiety. I had an anxiety attack at the opening event last fall, and I've felt scared of the place ever since. At least five times in the past couple months, I've had anxiety attacks at these events. Three of those times, I gotten anxious enough to flee the room and hide.
One of those times was this week. One of the leaders in charge of the event went after me this time, and she pretty much told me I had to face my fear no matter how bad it is. After the event, another leader, while more kind and concerned than the other, said something similar. Basically, I just have to get over it and force myself into social situations.
Uh-huh. I've been shy all my life, and when people started forcing me into social situations to make me "better," huge problems with anxiety developed. So clearly that doesn't work. I know what I need to do. I need to push myself, for sure, but I need to take my time. Rushing will only make matters worse.
This is what I need advice on. How can I explain this to these people? They won't let me take my time, they're pushing me, and they don't understand that my anxiety can't just stop instantly. It's irritating. And it's also very damaging to me. I'd been three months clean from self harm, but then because of them, I've gone back to resorting to self harm to stop my anxiety attacks. I can't get better until they listen and understand.
Any advice on how to explain this to them?
Sorry for the long topic. I babble. :C
One more thing: Please don't suggest just not going to this event. I don't have that option.
|