Social Anxiety/Shopping Anxiety?

I really do love fashion...however, I continue to wear the same items from my wardrobe for years just because I hate going shopping. I don't mind going if I know I wont buy anything, but if I have to buy a pair of jeans, or a t-shirt...I just get flustered and end up going home with nothing. As soon as I get home, I regret not buying it. This is a list of why I don't like shopping:


-The workers in the store, always checking up on you, asking you questions...etc.


-Paying for the clothes


-Waiting for the change rooms


-The feeling that everyone is judging what you're buying/looking at


-The busyness of the stores


It's not that I'm just not a shopper. But I believe it's an anxiety problem. I don't know if I'd consider it social anxiety, because I get along with everyone at school, and I don't mind public places. I just feel pressured when I go to the mall. I'm going shopping in a few days, because I'm in desperate need of clothes. I don't know if I'll even buy anything though!

Social Anxiety/Shopping Anxiety?
Social anxiety is sometimes just directed at one particular situation (in your case, shopping).


Everything you described, I have been in the same boat, and it is awful.





Here is a quick overview of how I got rid of social anxiety for good. Note that one technique doesn't work for everyone. There are many out there.





1. Firstly, it is time to stop focusing on all the things you don't want, as this will not help you overcome it. From now on, start focusing on what you DO want. Write down exactly what it is that you want in life.





2. Become involved in that, read online articles that will help you, books, whatever. Think about how it will affect your life and your loved ones if you continue living with social anxiety. Absorb yourself in that desire to be anxious-free around people until it is so emotionally strong that you will want to change completely.





3. Whenever you feel yourself beginning to slip back into feeling anxious, interrupt that by doing something completely unexpected and what your sub-concious is not expecting. Do something crazy, anything (as long as it is safe).





4. You feel relief and comfortable when you are avoiding a social situation, right? This feeling is what can stop you from overcoming your phobia. You need to find something that gives you that same good feeling and pursue that instead. Such as an activity, hobby, pet, etc.





5. Be on a constant quest to improve yourself. Do something everyday. Do the above steps over and over. Every time you do something that is diffiult for you to do, IMMEDIATELY reward yourself in some way.





Good luck. :)
Reply:Sometimes I have anxiety attacks at the mall, or even at the grocery store.


Its odd, like Im fine at times....but somedays i feel so incredibly insecure. Its like Im afraid of being in a situation i cant handle. But that fear is what makes me freak out. I cant get the thought out of my head, like Im paranoid.


Here I am trying to become a waitress...and Im hoping it will help me get over this...or it could and i could have some nervous breakdown or something lol.


Dont worry about what ppl think of what youre buying. Im sure no one is even paying attention all that much anyway, ya know. try taking someone with you...
Reply:You need to see your doctor, you may need some mild medication or therapy. I took Lexapro and it helped tremendously and it won't make you feel doped up you feel normal.
Reply:i have the same problem.....you just have to go and buy something. once you find a store that has stuff that fits you well. you'll be okay. and who cares what people think. if you wanna buy something buy it and don't worry what people think cause if they really have the time to worry about what Ur getting or trying on then there pointless people with nothing to do. so try to make as fun as you can
Reply:I deal with a lot of the same problems.


The best way to deal with this is to know what you're looking for before you go there. If you're like me, you won't return anything ever. But instead of trying the clothes on, take a look at the sizes of clothes that you already have the fit well. That way, you can avoid the dressing room.





Yes, they are judging you.


However, they are stupid and pitiful.
Reply:you're just having anxiety attacks. the only thing to help is to see a mental health expert so you can be put on a prescription to help you . good luck.


try some deep breathing techniques and take a trusted person to accompany you.
Reply:i have anxiety generalized and i take Klonopin as needed maybe if you see a psychiatrist they may be able to prescribe a medication and you take it only when you need it if you only get anious in the mall maybe you can get something to take before you go i know how you feel nothing else really helps me but the medication maybe if you try going when it is less crowded i know it sucks to have anziety you feel like you are going to die at least thats how i feel and i get nervous and frustrated but if you cant get a medication then maybe you could try to be in there for a short period of time and gooutside for a break then go back in and try to remember to take some deep breaths if you find you are panicking