Discomfort around crowds?

Question

I seem to feel very, very uncomfortable around crowds of people. Why could this be? I tend to want to stay away. If I do end up being in an area that is full of people, after while I don't feel as uncomfortable. It doesn't even have to be a huge crowd of people. It can be as simple as a few people at my house. I don't know why this is and I often find that ends up keeping me away from friends and family. Any sort of help would be appreciated. Thanks.

I have yet to have a panic attack and I am not dieting or anything like that. I started to notice it like about last year but it's been going on since I was in about 6th grade (I am now in 9th grade).

Answer 1

Hi Adriana, it sounds like a social phobia. I have this also. I have found that taking a class, or get involved in some activity (that forces you into the company of others), is the best medicine. You have to face what you're afraid of! If you continue to avoid this, it could get worse. See your family doc and see what he, or she says. You're not alone.

Answer 2

What your describing would likely be diagnosed as a social phobia, but how long have you felt this way? Is there anything else going on in your life that may be raising your anxiety levels so that being in a crowd is overwhelming? Are you dieting? Sometimes low blood sugar levels turn up the volume on anxiety inducing situations. If this problem persists I would recommend a few sessions with a therapist.

Answer 3

what you are describing sounds like agoraphobia or social anxiety...It definitely is anxiety based. a therapist can help, some even specialize. Medication can also help or a combination of the two...I am wondering if you suffer from panic attacks at all, because that oftens goes along with it... anyway, the good news is, what you have has a name, it is not that unusual, and there is help for it...

a good place to start for information on this subject is the following link:
http://panicdisorder.about.com/

Good Luck!

Answer 4

Some sort of phobia, not claustrophobia, maybe it is that, but I don't know the phobia for fear of crowds. Maybe you're just a natural introvert and don't like talking to people so you're trying to avoid those situations. Good luck!

Answer 5

yeah i just started having a discomfort of being in a crowd within a small space.
the feeling i get is agitation and i feel anxious because i wonder how the hell am i going to get out of the elevator or bus with all these people next to me. this hasn't disrupted my life yet so i don't need outside help.
this has disrupted yours so u do need outside help. it only will get worse, so please see someone.

Answer 6

My husband has that same problem. We sometimes have to leave stores or other places if it is too crowded. It is common. It can cause anxiety attacks. Talking to a therapist might help you get past this phobia. Good luck.

Answer 7

i dont believe this trait always has to be a phobia, actually im getting kinda tired of everyone assuming theres something wrong with being an introvert. one does not have to enjoy being social at any given moment to be "normal" or lacking a disorder.
i suppose if being alone makes you feel bad, other than because someone is telling you its bad, then you may want to re-evaluate your motives. otherwise theres nothing wrong with being introvert and introverts are "re-energized" by spending time alone. thats hard for extroverts to believe, as being alone often just makes them depressed if they arent already.

Answer 8

Honestly we have the same problem yet i dunno if my reasons are the as yours, i tend to be uncomfortable around crowd because i got low self-esteem & kinda insecure about how i look. I tend to isolate my self to people because im afraid they might not like me or they may criticize how i look. Im 27 now and it's sad that through the years i haven't overcome that weakness yet....
I suggest enroll to a personality development class it may help u..
Goodluck