Want to overcome my being too self-conscious?

[Hersheys]

I often times feel like I'm being watched and judged. I've had this for a long time.

 

Every time I go out it happens, someone will make me feel uncomfortable then all these thoughts swirl in my head - what does this person think of me? what wrong he/she sees in me? and many other thoughts.

 

I don't sit in front of the class because I seem to have this feeling of being watched or stared at.

 

When this happens, I begin to feel uncomfortable, begin perspiring a lot, unable to concentrate anymore and makes me want to run and go home immediately. I've ruined many first dates and friendships because of my self-consciousness.

 

What can I do to make this stop? What can I do to make myself relax? How can I just enjoy being out and not caring about what people think?

 

Any advice? Thanks in advance!!!

[lonelyandfrustrated]

Just a quote, maybe it will help, not sure who said it first:

 

"You wouldn't worry so much about what other people think of you if you knew how seldom they did."

 

think of you, that is.

[MN randomguy]

I've heard of people taking improv. classes or something like that. Getting Waay out of your comfort zone to desensitize yourself/face your fears.

[Hersheys]

Thanks for the replies MN random guy, lonely and frustrated!

 

I really want to overcome this because I'll be looking for a long term job real soon. I want to keep the job and I just don't want to mess up my chances.

 

I do want to take classes for self-esteem however it's quite difficult finding one in my town.

 

Right now I'm trying to interact more with people, just having small conversations. It's not that easy for me but it sure does help.

[georgejungle]

I've heard of people taking improv. classes or something like that.

 

I totally did this and it helped. It scared the crap out of me but

it was so much fun and I made friends that i still have 10 years

later.

 

But you don't need a class if it's not in your schedule. You just need

to learn to CHILL OUT. Let it all roll off your shoulder. What is the

point in getting all uncomfortable and sweating it? What do you gain

from the worries? NOTHING. Next time it happens, think about

something else. It's just axnxiety and worrying about what they'll

think, before they've even thought it. But most of the time, they

aren't thinking a dang thing, you just thing they're judging you.

 

Try some stretching, some relaxation and meditation, just make

up relaxation techniques, sit and breath and meditate and tell

yourself to relax. You just need to relax. Don't hide yourself

in the back though, you'll never overcome this. Take baby

steps if you have to, but make sure you sit up front one day.

Trust me, it's all in the brain. Our brains can really Eff us up

sometimes and ruin us.