Struggling with going to work

[metaphor99]

Hi, everyone...I'm new here (obviously). I just stumbled across this site when I was looking for some help in dealing with my SA. I'm 23 years old and I've had SA since I was in about 5th grade. I am fortunate enough to have met a loving, patient man who helps me through panic attacks and other struggles. But, unlike us, he doesn't struggle with SA.
Anyway, sorry for rambling. My question to all of you is, do you struggle with going to work because you fear what someone is going to say to you? Luckily, I work with dogs, but I have to deal with their owners as well, and have a hard time. I always think that they know about my SA, like they can read my mind. I also have a hard time making eye contact and have to make a conscience effort to do so. It is the same with having a conversation..I get so nervous that I start to sweat. I just...can't stand being around people. It's so hard. Anyway, thank you all for listening. It really does help to get it out to others who are going through the same thing. Thank you all.

 

[Blaze]

I know exactly how you feel. I work in retail, so I am forced to interact with countless people everyday. I did not like it one bit when I first started there. But over the years I've become used to it. I still have a difficult time with customers, as they are random people, I very much dislike having to deal with them. But I've become better at talking with my co-workers. Now, this only applies to about 50% of the people at work, mostly the older folk or just the nice younger people. There's people there that refuse to talk to me and do show some attitude towards me, but I don't let them spoil my day. Maybe they sense I am a quiet person and they just assume "that guy is weird, he can't be any fun, I don't want to talk to him". But they don't matter to me. The only thing that gets me down and depressed is the fact that SA is holding me back from having friends and socialization in my private life. I don't hold a conversation all that well, and I am a rather boring person IMO.

I notice this is your first post, so let me welcome you to this wonderful place! I hope that you are able to conquer your fears regarding work, I'll send you some good karma. =)

 

[LazyHermitCrab]

Hey welcome to the forum

 

[metaphor99]

Blaze: It is so nice to know that someone else feels the same way! I am glad that you have some coworkers you are able to talk with. I have a tough time dealing with the random people as well, as I feel I am not good at holding conversation either. Sometimes (not all that often), I can "fake it 'til I make it" with people, but most days, I just clam up. It's hard to pretend to want to talk to someone when really you feel afraid to...
Anyway, thank you so much for the encouraging words and the good karma! =) =)

LazyHermitCrab: Thank you for the warm welcome!