Hi all,

This is my first post. For some reason, whenever I Google what I’m feeling (usually anxiety) just to see if others feel the same way, I am always pulled in by a Tiny Buddha post. Always. So, I joined.

Today, Google led me here again, this time for perfectionism and anxiety. I read a great post, but I’m also looking for more tips on how to quiet these loud doubts in my head. For example, I avoid opening mail because I’m afraid of what will be inside- a bill (sometimes for something I forgot I signed up for), or school loan information, DMV info, etc. I’m afraid of what’s inside because I feel like it will make me realize I’ve done something wrong, or forgotten something again. It makes me feel like a bad adult.

Another example: I put off doing my schoolwork until the last day because the more time I have to work on it, the more problems I find that I “need” to fix. I also hate replying to discussion posts, I guess for fear that they’ll all be much better than mine. (It’ll be tough for me to check any replies to this post as well). I guess I fear that I’ll look stupid because the answer is so obvious, or people will judge me through the internet.

I also have a big issue with social anxiety (if you couldn’t tell). I have been managing it with medication and therapy, which is helping a lot. But I still care far too much what others may be thinking about me when they look at me.

Any thoughts, tips, advice, etc?

I feel like my life is on hold lately, and I’m too afraid to face its daily tasks.

Thx, E