As a child, I grew up in poverty. But I lived in a small town where I'd say about 99% of families were indulging in extreme wealth. I was often socially ostracized, frowned upon, and made fun of in school because my clothes were visibly second-handed and pretty much worn-out. I am now an adult, and I am terrified to speak to people that appear to be in higher physical financial, physical, or social standards than me. When I talk to them or ask them a question, I can't look them in the eye, and I'm terrified that they are going to take one look at me at first sight, and flee in disgust. I've yet to test that possibility because I am terrified to even look at people that I've described. If anyone has a clue what to label this type of phobia, or mental disorder as it may be called, please go ahead and post a reply. Thank you.
2007-10-24 10:56:36 · 8 answers · asked by CurtisE 4 in Health ➔ Mental Health
im not sure on what this would be called. but i know of your feelings somewhat. i used to live around this richy town. and when id go there id just feel everyone was thinking, 'dear me hubert, the white trash has lost herself in our part of the world, shoosh her out imediatly' haha. i mean im not afriad to talk or look at them, but i feel this is what they would be thinking, even though im not trailer trash nor have ever been. so i dont know where it comes from....
and really, i have known some richy riches and their never condescending.
i think its really a confidence issue. ppl who are rich seem confident and happy with their status.
so for someone like me who is really not that confident to be seen as an equal....i dont feel i am to them.
when really they are no better than me, nor me them...
fear is an illusion. see threw it, and get rid of it. easier said than done, but its what needs to be done.
2007-10-24 11:08:43 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'd probably call it a type of social anxiety (which, incidentally, used to be called social phobia), although I'm not an expert or anything.
I know that you're afraid to try talking to someone in that catagory, but I strongly recommend that you try it anyway. They're not going to run away or anything, and learning that nothing bad happens is the best way to overcome your fear. The main idea in treating anxiety disorders with CBT (which usually works really well) is usually to help the patient learn that the things they're afraid will happen as a result of the anxiety-producing stimulus don't happen in response to the stimulus. And I think you're already ahead of the game since it sounds like you already recognize that it's a only possibility (rather than a certainty) and that it would help to test it.
2007-10-24 11:14:23 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I wouldn't call it a phobia as much as low self esteem or insecurity. You could try speaking to a counselor to get some strategies of how to break the habit, and raise your self esteem. It's hard work to change ingrained thought and behavior patterns but you can do it. Even something as simple as finding some positive affirmations to tell yourself could help. Good luck to you!
2007-10-24 11:56:54 · answer #3 · answered by Lee 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's hard to hang a label on mental problems, might help to talk to a councilor or psychiatrist. Just keep on knocking on doors and good luck to you
2007-10-24 11:15:50 · answer #4 · answered by lonetraveler 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
i've got have been given some Anablephobia- worry of finding up Ancraophobia- worry of wind Aulophobia- worry of flutes Ommatophobia- worry of eyes Phagophobia- worry of swallowing or of ingesting or of being eaten Pteronophobia- worry of being tickled via feathers Zemmiphobia- worry of the super mole rat i'm extreme, those are genuine!
2016-11-09 09:40:17 · answer #5 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yeah, allot of people feel not up to parr with others when you compare yourself. Might I suggest EFT, Emotional Freedom Techniques.
Here you can address your fear of what others think of you & strengthen your self image of yourself.
You are worthy & strong.
Know that all people have doubts, those who don't may be
alil scary cuz they are the people who have no compassion.
Try EFT. :-) go to yahoo search ---} Blessings...
2007-10-27 18:06:47 · answer #6 · answered by Chi M 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm gonna keep trying to find it for you, but I know that there is a fear of wealth - Plutophobia...maybe that's it? I certainly feel sympathy for you, please try seeing a therepist or something, it may help!
Ok I came across this...
Social (fear of being evaluated negatively in social situations)- Social Phobia
Which is a branch of anxiety disorder. Please seek help!
2007-10-24 11:08:34 · answer #7 · answered by poetris 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi :) i think u r feelin insecure thats all...dnt put so much emphasis on material possessions/appearances-they'll perish...n tru frenz offer unconditional love-not based on temporary stuff like dis...hold ur head high, and b proud to b hu u r-ur special!
2007-10-24 11:09:48 · answer #8 · answered by well wisher 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋