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creative_writerSenior Contributor
Sometimes I feel like I’m on top of things and don’t feel like my trauma defines me and I don’t feel so ashamed and scared. Other times I want to hide from the world and feel like a **** (I’m not going to say the word here since I don’t want to trigger anyone) 😭, I feel so ashamed that I don’t want people to know
In response to: Oscillation between two mind sets
RiverSealModerator
You have really good insight @creative_writer and you are well on the way on the recovery journey which is inspiring to see. Reaching out can take time to feel comfortable and you need to support yourself before you can be there for others. Like they say on the airlines "put your oxygen mask on first before you help others"
The Forums are a great place to start to learn to cope with social anxiety and build confidence. What else do you think you can do to help you cope?
Take care
RiverSeal
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
creative_writerSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
RiverSealModerator
That's great that you are meeting people at uni @creative_writer and I encourage you to socialise when to feel up to it and don't be afraid to challenge yourself sometimes. Socialising is challenging but does get easier when we do it regularly. I understand it can be hard at times and recovery is not linear so we should expect some ups and downs. Stay strong and believe in yourself! RiverSeal
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
creative_writerSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
RiverSealModerator
It sounds like you are doing some great things to reduce your anxiety and from my own experience it takes time. I used to be very anxious and have a very low sense of self-worth and to be honest I still do at times. It is definitely worth keeping going with it and I used to think that it was creating more issues for me than positivity. I believe in you and see that you have so much insight in your own experiences and that is a bit step in the recovery path. RiverSeal
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
creative_writerSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
RiverSealModerator
Studying and working have played a big part in my coping with anxiety and not experience it too much these days. It is a long road though so keep doing what you are doing, don't put too much pressure on yourself and focus on what you can control vs what you can't control. I'm interested to understand more about you not feeling safe with your supports @creative_writer? RiverSeal
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
creative_writerSenior Contributor
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
RiverSealModerator
I can relate to that @creative_writer and I don't think all my emotional needs are being met even though my social life and connection with people has improved over the past few years. I have had to come to accept that maybe it's not perfect and we don't always get what we want. Relationships are built on trust though and to do that we need to risk a bit sometimes. RiverSeal
In response to: Re: Oscillation between two mind sets
creative_writerSenior Contributor
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
Help us push aside the stigma and discrimination surrounding complex mental health and change the way people talk about, and care for, mental illness.
SANE acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and recognises the continuing connection to lands, waters and communities. We pay our respect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures; and to Elders past and present.
SANE values diversity. We are committed to providing a safe, culturally appropriate, and inclusive service for all people, regardless of their ethnicity, faith, disability, sexuality, or gender identity.
You’ll soon be able to use one secure login to access all SANE services.
For added security, members are now required to log in with their email address and password - member names are no longer supported for logging in.
If you had a Forums account before 19 May 2026 and haven’t set up your new login yet, you'll be prompted to set up your new secure login when you sign-in.
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