Sitting in the Classroom

[ImNotMyIllness]

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[cocorose]

I had a problem with eye contact with my instructor. It was a small class, maybe around 12 people, so it was a small room, and I never knew where to look, because I would freak out if I made eye contact with him and it was really wierd and awkward. :/ He was a wierd man, we found out some things about him and after we were done with the class he actually asked me if I liked him.. cause I was always nervous around him.. I laughed.. well inside I did. Anyway, I kind of know how you feel, but I would think that just looking foward would be easier, especially if the lights were off... but yea i know what you mean. It feels like someone is watching you. Don't worry, we all hate it. We just have to keep trying.. the thing is, it sounds so silly when you talk about it, but when you are actually in the situation, it is a whole different story. *sigh.

 

[ImNotMyIllness]

@Cocorose I also have difficulty with giving the instructor eye contact. But, this problem is different. I don't feel like anyone is watching me. I just feel anxious when there are people on my sides. I feel the need to look at them for some reason. Then I wonder if they think that I'm looking at them. It's really weird and bizarre. There was some ambient light from the windows so it was not dark enough for me to look straight ahead. I also have this problem with movie theaters.

I feel like I'm watching people in my periphery all the time. It's like I'm hyper aware of my surroundings.

 

[lonelee1]

I don't really have any problems sitting in class and taking notes. I can get into a rhythm of bobbing my head up and down as I look at the instructor and jot down the information.

Today though was different. We had to watch a documentary on the overhead. Which means I had to stare straight in front of me. I can't do this! Because, I get distracted in my peripheral vision. I just feel very anxious, agitated and stressed out. Especially if there is someone sitting on my right or left side, which then makes it impossible.

It was really unbearable!! I desperately tried to watch but I ended up keeping my head down for most of it, doodling on my paper. Most of the other students seemed to have no problem as they were fixated on the show.

I really hate having this problem! :sad:

know. the. feeling. :/

 

[laure15]

@Cocorose I also have difficulty with giving the instructor eye contact. But, this problem is different. I don't feel like anyone is watching me. I just feel anxious when there are people on my sides. I feel the need to look at them for some reason. Then I wonder if they think that I'm looking at them. It's really weird and bizarre. There was some ambient light from the windows so it was not dark enough for me to look straight ahead. I also have this problem with movie theaters.

I feel like I'm watching people in my periphery all the time. It's like I'm hyper aware of my surroundings.

You took the words right out of my mouth. I have the same problem as well. I can give my professor eye contact, but I end up staring at him/her which can be creepy. When people sit near me, I also get hyperaware and feel the urge to look at them. I try looking straight ahead but my peripheral vision distracts me from doing so. I become aware of everything, as if I'm experiencing sensory overload. People often say that being aware is a good thing - the more aware you are the better. But is being hyperaware too much of a good thing?

 

[ImNotMyIllness]

You took the words right out of my mouth. I have the same problem as well. I can give my professor eye contact, but I end up staring at him/her which can be creepy. When people sit near me, I also get hyperaware and feel the urge to look at them. I try looking straight ahead but my peripheral vision distracts me from doing so. I become aware of everything, as if I'm experiencing sensory overload. People often say that being aware is a good thing - the more aware you are the better. But is being hyperaware too much of a good thing?

NO, not in this case. And, it prevents me from paying attention. I needed to watch the documentary, not just listen to it. I could barely think straight I was so uncomfortable.

 

[hardy]

this problem won't get solved if you keep giving importance to thoughts....if i was you, i would watch the un-pleasant sensation or the breath and see if this feeling is permanent(not easy at all though). become mindful of anything that is going on in your body and the state of mind....giving self affirmating thoughts that may be the anxiety has come for my good...let it be there, i wont hate it....might help.

what else can you do? medication will make the symptom less but then you will be a vegetable. try sitting in the back...that might make things worse( as when i escape problems it usually leads to other problems)

but then...i have learnt meditation where i was taught to watch sensation/breath without reaction. there is no way out brother...we gottu do our time...the anxiety prison....it's an opportunity to get better actually if you see the bigger picture. Not easy...but observation is the only way to overcome suffering.

 

[squidgee]

I don't really have any problems sitting in class and taking notes. I can get into a rhythm of bobbing my head up and down as I look at the instructor and jot down the information.

Today though was different. We had to watch a documentary on the overhead. Which means I had to stare straight in front of me. I can't do this! Because, I get distracted in my peripheral vision. I just feel very anxious, agitated and stressed out. Especially if there is someone sitting on my right or left side, which then makes it impossible.

It was really unbearable!! I desperately tried to watch but I ended up keeping my head down for most of it, doodling on my paper. Most of the other students seemed to have no problem as they were fixated on the show.

I really hate having this problem! :sad:

Can't say I have that problem, so sorry I can't offer any useful advice. I tend to find it more comfortable if we're presented with something to watch because then everyone's attention is focused on it and then I won't have to worry much about anyone looking at me or anything.

Also watching documentaries tends to be more engaging than taking notes.

 

[squidgee]

I'm very uncomfortable in confined areas. Especially in situations where I feel obliged to stay put, like a classroom. Sometimes I get up and leave the room and go for a walk about for a few mins just to remind myself I'm not actually trapped and I can wander off. Nobody looks at me twice for doing this. I take my phone in my hand real obviously as if I'm going off to make/take a call.

Hmmm, kind of the opposite for me. I don't really mind classroom environments, but I hate wide, open public spaces. Too much exposure.

 

[Blablabla]

I know the feeling. I think the worst, though, is when someone is sitting directly across from me, in the cafeteria or elsewhere.