Is it normal i can't be seen

14% Normal
7 Comments

For so many years, ever since I was a kid I would hide in my own house.
My family is kind, and they all like to hang out with each other, but I have the urge to not be seen/heard.
This is to the point that I wouldn't eat for fear of someone being in the kitchen. I wouldn't do my laundry for months on end, go outside, even go to the bathroom until I know it's clear. It would be normal that I wouldn't eat for 18 hours because people were still awake around the house.

This has persisted into adulthood. I'm 21 now with a roommate. I've been successful in not being seen for the past 2 months by her, and anyone else aside from going to class and the grocery store.

When I must communicate with someone in the real world they message me.

The fear isn't of me being hurt, or of anything bad happening to me. But for some reason, I am compelled to stay hidden away. If I ever am seen I get extremely uncomfortable and fight or flight kicks in.

Voting Results
14% Normal
Based on 22 votes (3 yes)
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Comments ( 7 )
  • CountessDouche
    4 years ago | pl

    It sounds like you have pretty severe social anxiety.

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  • LloydAsher
    4 years ago

    If only that worked against the IRS.

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  • [Old Memory]
    4 years ago

    I went through a stage in my life where I was exactly like how you describe. I'm still a little bit like it, like if I walk my dogs I wait to it's dark because there will be no one out around my street. But I did exactly like you did, wouldn't eat, hell I wouldn't even go to the toilet and I would sit there busting waiting for people to leave.

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    • Anonymous Post Author
      4 years ago

      how'd you get over it?

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      • [Old Memory]
        4 years ago

        A lot of time, exercise and forcing myself into these uncomfortable situations every day.. In my experience don't use alcohol or benzo's. Yes they give you a quick fix but in the long run I found them to worsen the situation. I never believed it, but it is really just facing your fears. It seems like it won't work, but hang in there because it will.

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  • IceRed
    4 years ago

    Not normal

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  • Ellenna
    4 years ago

    That sounds so sad and lonely. You don't say whether you're happy living like this or whether you want to change your life: if the latter, can you talk to a school counsellor as a first step?

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