I've been very anxious and tense for a long time, especially when I go into crowds. I'm considering seeing a psychologist because I'm getting more and more unable to control it, but my family isn't very supportive of these issues. Can I really find a solution, and how can I explain situations like this to my family? This process makes me feel lonely.
I used to feel really overwhelmed in crowds, I even feared not being able to breathe. I went to a psychologist, and it turned out I have social anxiety. I swear to you, as I went through therapy, I improved a bit. Tell your family that it feels almost physical now, maybe they'll take it more seriously.
When you enter a crowd, it feels like your heart is going to explode, as if everyone is looking at you. It's a really tough feeling, I completely understand you. Tell your family that "I feel like I'm constantly living with the worry that my stomach hurts," it might be easier that way.
Honestly, families are always a bit suspicious about these things. If I were you, I would check if you can handle it on your own. What they call psychology is sometimes completely exaggerated. Focus your attention on other things a bit, it will surely pass.
Excessive stress in crowded environments can indicate social anxiety disorder. Psychotherapies are often used for these types of situations and are quite effective. If you emphasize to your family that a psychologist works like a doctor and doesn't even prescribe medication, they might be more understanding.
Thank you for the answers. Right now, it feels like I'm in a situation where I've asked even more. When I panic in a crowd, it feels like I'm about to faint, like I'm going to fall to the ground. And then my family just says things like, "Pray to God" and moves on. Breaking these perspectives is so difficult.
It can be difficult to explain to families, but it's not that rare. After all, you go to the doctor for a sore throat, and this is a similar situation. Try to explain that while praying is not a bad thing, seeking help is also an option offered by God.
There's something else here for me. It's like a family matter a bit. You say they don't look kindly on it, but why would they think that way? Maybe they're just afraid of what they'll have to talk about when they go to a psychologist.
