How to survive gym workouts with social anxiety?

Is the real issue that you feel like everyone is staring at your hands while you're doing it? Maybe you could ask someone to sit in and walk through it with you? It shouldn't be that much of an ordeal—you mentioned you know how to handle this, so is the actual hurdle just the fact that your coworkers are watching? I wonder... if you were able to get through it successfully, would those suicidal thoughts and the urge to self-harm actually subside, or would they still be there?
Could you try to make an appointment with your psychiatrist tomorrow?

I freeze up when I feel eyes on me. I often intend to get things done right when they ask, but my coworkers always beat me to it. It ends up being awkward having to approach my sister personally to try and make up for it.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

Alright, I’m going to share a bit of my experience with social anxiety, and then I’m deleting my account here. There was this one stretch where it got so intense—every single time I sat down for coffee with coworkers, I was convinced my hands were shaking. Maybe they actually were. I couldn't even bring a cup up to my lips. I couldn't even lift it. I could just sit there staring at it. Naturally, I started avoiding both the coffee breaks and the people. Where did that lead me? Into even deeper depression, suicidal thoughts, self-harm, and... well, let's just say I started skipping classes at my university to avoid having to speak.
I ended up using this little trick. Every time I tried to take a sip of coffee, I would just fixate on a single point in the distance and force myself through it. Eventually, it stopped—I don't even know when. I'm not trying to compare my struggles to a cup of coffee, but that's just how social phobia works.

cosmiclynx79 said:I freeze up when I feel eyes on me. I often intend to get things done right when they ask, but my coworkers always beat me to it. It ends up being awkward having to approach my sister personally to try and make up for it.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

Yeah, that's definitely uncomfortable. But honestly, as awkward as it feels, maybe you could try asking your sister for a hand? Who knows, she might actually be happy to help you out.

cosmiclynx79 said:Yesterday felt manageable, a decent introduction to nursing, but today was an absolute train wreck. I spiraled into a panic attack and nearly broke down in tears watching my classmates breeze through everything while I just stood there, paralyzed. I wanted to draw blood or insert a catheter, but I couldn't even bring myself to try. It was pathetic. One of the nurses actually asked me why I even bothered enrolling in the program. Honestly, I don't know what I was thinking. My dad won't let me switch majors, either. I'm definitely in the middle of a depressive episode—I've spent the entire day in bed, neglected my hygiene, and have zero energy for anything. I feel like I need to head back to the psychiatric clinic because I don't see anyone else who can help.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

cosmiclynx79, man, I really feel for you, it sounds like such a massive grind.

Does your old man actually know about everything you're going through? And if he does, is he one of those types who thinks you're just blowing things out of proportion or making stuff up? I can't help but wonder why he's being so incredibly stubborn about you sticking with this specific degree.

Is it even possible to stay rational in those moments, or do you just completely spiral?
Some kind of metacognition, I suppose.
"Here we go, the anxiety is kicking in, this is such a drag, god dammit... who even does this..." You might even say it out loud to others, because honestly, the discomfort is just too much. You basically have to force yourself to break through that wall of paralysis.

Carl Brown152 said:Wait, is anyone actually prescribing antipsychotics for social anxiety or stuff like that?? First I've ever heard of that.
Isn't that a bit much—especially considering all those side effects? I just don't get it 🤷

Actually, my mistake—they don't prescribe them for social phobia.

Michael Lee75 said:cosmiclynx79, man, I really feel for you, it sounds like such a massive grind.

Does your old man actually know about everything you're going through? And if he does, is he one of those types who thinks you're just blowing things out of proportion or making stuff up? I can't help but wonder why he's being so incredibly stubborn about you sticking with this specific degree.

He knows exactly what's happening. He just keeps pushing because he’s convinced that once I have this degree, I'll land a high-paying job immediately.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

cosmiclynx79 said:He knows exactly what's happening. He just keeps pushing because he’s convinced that once I have this degree, I'll land a high-paying job immediately.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

From what I can tell, you're saying you actually enjoy the work and would love to do it professionally.
I'm not sure if switching majors would even help; honestly, you might just end up feeling just as out of place in a different field and hit that same wall of panic.
Social anxiety is treatable—you just need to be completely upfront with a psychiatrist about what you're going through.
There are medications and therapy specifically designed for this.
Running away from a specific major or a career path isn't really the fix here.

Quote : Silence

Michael Lee75 said:cosmiclynx79, man, I really feel for you, it sounds like such a massive grind.

Does your old man actually know about everything you're going through? And if he does, is he one of those types who thinks you're just blowing things out of proportion or making stuff up? I can't help but wonder why he's being so incredibly stubborn about you sticking with this specific degree.

That’s just the classic reaction you get from so many parents out there. I remember writing once about how my own mother would literally lose her temper whenever I went through a depressive episode; it’s like some parents simply refuse to see it, or rather, they lack the capacity to accept that their child is actually struggling. In their eyes, if I wasn't being hospitalized, attempting suicide, or engaging in self-harm, then nothing was wrong. But the reality is different. I deal with those intrusive thoughts—those heavy, lingering ideas about suicide, or more accurately, the feeling that it would just be better for everyone if I weren't around. It’s that persistent desire to just... vanish.🤔 While that’s all a bit far removed from the actual situation at hand, the father would truly have to be able to face the reality that something is fundamentally wrong with his child. And honestly, why are you only bringing up the father? Does the mother even exist in this scenario?

Quote : Silence

cosmiclynx79 said:He knows exactly what's happening. He just keeps pushing because he’s convinced that once I have this degree, I'll land a high-paying job immediately.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

Look, everyone keeps telling me that programming is where the money is, so why on earth am I not a developer? It’s simple: it just doesn't suit my temperament, and honestly, the whole concept of the job strikes me as absolutely revolting! Now, regarding what cosmiclynx79 said—it isn't a bad career path for finding steady work, and I can clearly see you doubting yourself, though I think you actually could pull it off if you wanted to. But let's be real, most people could probably do it, even those who don't have their own personal struggles to deal with.

I noticed you were asking about studying English, and honestly, I think that would suit you perfectly. That being said, I still stand by my suggestion of picking up German alongside it. Right now, there’s a real shortage of teachers for German language and literature, which opens up some serious doors. You could easily pivot into tourism or even the corporate sector, especially since so many major companies here do heavy business with Austria and Germany.

I’m honestly on the verge of a total meltdown tomorrow. I might just lose it and snap at them. Why on earth are they giving priority to colleagues who either went to nursing school or managed to squeeze in some summer internship last year? I came straight from high school and my internship was scrapped because of COVID, so my entire practical experience boils down to working with mannequins. The focus should be on my potential, but clearly, they couldn't care less about that.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

cosmiclynx79 said:I’m honestly on the verge of a total meltdown tomorrow. I might just lose it and snap at them. Why on earth are they giving priority to colleagues who either went to nursing school or managed to squeeze in some summer internship last year? I came straight from high school and my internship was scrapped because of COVID, so my entire practical experience boils down to working with mannequins. The focus should be on my potential, but clearly, they couldn't care less about that.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

That approach is honestly just totally counterproductive, you know? If you go in swinging, they’re just going to label you as someone who can't handle teamwork. Wouldn't it be better to just show them how much you actually care by asking if they can give you some practice materials to take home so you can work on your manual dexterity in private? That way, you're proving you have the drive to improve... and honestly, missing one summer isn't some huge deal that should stop you. 🕺 You still have a year and a half left, and you'll be doing this constantly during every rotation and lab exercise. If they won't give you new supplies, just ask for the used stuff. When I was starting out, I practically needed a third hand just to manage IV lines and catheters—and I didn't even know the formal terminology for peripheral venous catheters back then! I used to end up dropping sterile syringe caps and tubing on the floor because trying to maintain sterility while swapping out drops and managing the line was such a nightmare. I ended up taking supplies home, taping everything to my table or hanging it from a light fixture, just to figure out the best way to move so I could find a rhythm instead of looking like a complete amateur. I even practiced urinary catheterization using old Coca-Cola bottles.🤣🤣

cosmiclynx79 said:He knows exactly what's happening. He just keeps pushing because he’s convinced that once I have this degree, I'll land a high-paying job immediately.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

But honestly, how are you even going to land a job if you can't make it through the practical coursework? 🤔

Was this major actually your first choice, or was it something you genuinely wanted to pursue?

If it really is what you want, then you’ve got to tackle things in order—you need to deal with that social anxiety first, maybe talk to a therapist or someone, and then worry about school.

Maybe you're just freezing up because you actually care too much, you want to be great at it, and the fear of failing is paralyzing you. I don't know, I'm just throwing ideas out there.

Is this the only thing weighing on you right now, or is there more to the story?

Design was my first choice, but the best programs are all based in New York, much like how I couldn't do veterinary medicine because I didn't want to move to Boston. Eventually, I gravitated toward nursing after watching nurses work in local hospitals. I didn't even attempt pre-med due to my grades and a total lack of foundation in the sciences. Back then, I had no idea what the reality of nursing actually entailed. Now I know better, and I know that with my diagnosis, this career is off the table. So, what's left? I'm not exactly a genius...

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

cosmiclynx79 said:Design was my first choice, but the best programs are all based in New York, much like how I couldn't do veterinary medicine because I didn't want to move to Boston. Eventually, I gravitated toward nursing after watching nurses work in local hospitals. I didn't even attempt pre-med due to my grades and a total lack of foundation in the sciences. Back then, I had no idea what the reality of nursing actually entailed. Now I know better, and I know that with my diagnosis, this career is off the table. So, what's left? I'm not exactly a genius...

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

What I’m trying to say is... it’s just not true that you can't. Social anxiety can be treated, just like anything else we struggle with... Having these things doesn't make us incapable—there's always potential there, right?🙂

cosmiclynx79 said:Design was my first choice, but the best programs are all based in New York, much like how I couldn't do veterinary medicine because I didn't want to move to Boston. Eventually, I gravitated toward nursing after watching nurses work in local hospitals. I didn't even attempt pre-med due to my grades and a total lack of foundation in the sciences. Back then, I had no idea what the reality of nursing actually entailed. Now I know better, and I know that with my diagnosis, this career is off the table. So, what's left? I'm not exactly a genius...

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

What can you do? Hmm...

You know, looking back at my own life, I've realized that almost every single time, that very first thing that grabs your attention—whether it’s a person, an object, a career path, or anything else—that’s usually the right call.🥱 All that overthinking and second-guessing we do later on just ends up muddying the waters and messing everything up. So, if you truly have a knack for design, just go for it. It doesn't require nearly as much heavy lifting in the hard sciences, and honestly, there's plenty of work out there if you have the talent...

So, my old man chewed me out today because he thinks I’m slacking off on my workouts. He’s acting like some undercover fed or something. "Fine then, go work in the orchards picking oranges," he says. Honestly? I'll take him up on it. I couldn't care less.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

cosmiclynx79 said:Design was my first choice, but the best programs are all based in New York, much like how I couldn't do veterinary medicine because I didn't want to move to Boston. Eventually, I gravitated toward nursing after watching nurses work in local hospitals. I didn't even attempt pre-med due to my grades and a total lack of foundation in the sciences. Back then, I had no idea what the reality of nursing actually entailed. Now I know better, and I know that with my diagnosis, this career is off the table. So, what's left? I'm not exactly a genius...

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

What does the fact that design is in Washington, D.C. actually have to do with anything? Maybe it's a financial hurdle, I suppose. But honestly, at first glance, design sounds like a much better fit for you than nursing. I imagine you'd deal with less frustration and might actually find your footing in that field.
That said, those vocational medical programs usually take five years, and those students tend to have a bit of an edge over someone coming straight out of high school, especially when it comes to the hands-on stuff.

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

Do I have to take the SATs? Forgive me if that’s a rookie question. One more thing... Alprazolam or bromazepam?

Sent from my iPhone 12 using Reddit

I suspect this is heading straight toward a total freeze-up for the year.

Sent from my iPhone 11 using Reddit