How do you distinguish between a real fear and scardy cat syndrome?

[Smartie_Pants]

Another post on her (think creepy delivery man) made me think about this. I am scared of everything. If i'm setting in the car in front of the gas station waiting for my mom to pay and someone even looks at me for too long I lock the doors and grab a cell phone. This happens all the time, everywhere.

We delivered a bed frame to a couple who had just moved to town the other day. It was a black couple and at first only the woman was home. Then the boyfriend pulled up in a beat up old van and walked toward the truck. He was just grabbing some of the pieces to take in, but the way he looked at me made me just want to get out of the truck and RUN! my skin was crawling and I had to really try not to panic.

So obviously he wasnn't a threat, but I panic like that all the time. How do you know when something is serious or when you're just over-reacting? Have you ever thought it was something bad and it wasn't, or thought it wasn't bad and it was? How do you deal with it?

 

[HennysMom]

Hmm.. well.. I guess I'd have to say first and foremost its the society we live in unfortunately - we've been raised on it -and moreso your generation than ours (60's - 80's kids). Sad really.

I remember being able to ride my bike all over the neighborhood and walk to friends houses a mile away without having even a second thought. Now I wouldnt let my own son play outside without me watching

Unfortunate times we live in I'm afraid.

But - not everyone is out to "get you" - just try to keep that in mind and maybe you can overcome some of your fears hun. On the other side - if I have that "gut feeling" about something - I always trust it - always.

 

[English Chick]

Quote:
yep what Hennysmom said..... don't be so scared that you are afraid to live your life....not everyone is out to get you sweetie...

 

[ksacres]

It sounds to me like you have an anxiety disorder. I would talk to your Dr. They can prescribe you some meds (usually low strength anti-depressents 'cuz they work on the same part of the brain). My father had an anxiety disorder waaaaayyyy back when. Eventually, with the help of meds and "talk" therapy, he got off of everything and is now normal and healthy.

Don't be embarrassed to talk about it with your Dr. That's what they are there for. It's no fun living your life in fear.

-KS Acres

 

[adoptedbyachicken]

Quote:
Read the book 'The Gift of Fear' It will really help you sort out the things that should trigger you. Many studies been put together and years of police files reviewed to gather the body language of humans that intend to harm. It will teach you the subtle change between someone that is cold, huddles in their jacket or the one that has somthing in his jacket to hide, like a weapon.

 

[Poohbear]

Sounds like you need to take some Karate lessons to undo some of the anxiety that has you frozen with fear. Is it possible where you are living to find a good Dojo (Karate School)? Just explain to the person in charge what a rough time you are having trying to live with this fear. If you don't get it under control, it will deprive you of some great years of living.

 

[Rhett&SarahsMom]

Oh the times we live in now.

I too remember the days when we could ride our bikes up and down the street without being watched by the parents. Now? I cringe when I see younger kids, and sometimes the older ones, walking around the city without a adult being with them. I can tell you MINE wont be doing that until she has taken a self defense class or two. And maybe has a can of pepper spray always on her.

Funny thing. I actually remember the event that caused all the parents in my neighborhood growing up to stop letting us out of their sight. And it was on our local news magazine show last night.

Andy Puglisi. Even though Lawrence was no where near our small town. I remember all the parents gathering and talking about who was going to be home to watch the kids play, whose house and yard they would be in and when. I was 6. My daughters age.

There is being "aware" and then there is being frightened.
I agree that you should speak to someone about your fear. But also dont discount a "gut feeling" After a while you will learn to tell the difference between them

 

[luvmychicknkids]

I would definitely talk to a Dr. about your fears. It is possible, too, that there is some event in your past that is triggering this and you just can't place it. You are still young though, and getting to that point where you will be living alone one day.....that can cause fear, too. One thing I always remind myself is, there are far more good people than bad. The majority of people you meet every day are the good ones. Just keep your eyes open, your head up, pay attention, and you will do just fine. AND......like so many have said, learn to trust your instincts. You just have to figure out which are your real fear sensors which aren't.