Anybody else having a hard time being around people?

Hi ladies,

I was just wandering whether anyone was experiencing the "hermit" syndrome. I am finding it very difficult being around crowds of people again. I am very resistant in returning to church. I just don't feel like facing people or their possible comments or looks or whatever. Physically, I am ready to go back yet mentally and emotionally I am not. Now I don't think anybody would be openly cruel or insensitive but you know how people who haven't been in our shoes make really stupid comments. I am afraid that the longer I wait to go back the harder it is going to get.

To make matters worse, Many of the students I teach and their parents go to this church Including the preacher! I must maintain a professional standard. I have had so many of the people who are connected to the christian school where I teach ask, "OH, Will you be okay by the time the school year starts?" I know its silly but this really burns me up! I know my focus should be on worshiping the Lord when I go to church and I do try but I don't know if I'm ready to play all those parts. I really don't want to anymore, not now or ever. therein lies my problem, unless I want to sell all my belongings and move to the backwoods somewhere and become a hermit. I am an extremely private person and have always found a hard time dealing with my professional worship. I have tried to find other churches in the area but all of them seem to be connected to my school in some way.

Has anybody else been so stressed by returning to the public eye? I have been resistant to go to the grocery store because I just don't want to be around other people. Is this normal for 4wls post or am I just going crazy? Thanks in advance ladies.

Hugs & Prayers,

It's normal for 4 weeks post and you shouldn't be pushing the grocery cart anyway if you have a choice. Take it easy and be patient with yourself. When you've had more rest and aren't as tired it'll be easier to face the public. It's just that you've been through a lot and anything that's normally hard for you will seem even harder for a while.

Take your time. The Lord will understand.

First here is some concern. are great when we are down. Now I am not a doctor but sound to me like you are having a little depression. I incountered the same thing when I had a huge drop into another world with depression. I took prozac and it totally dumped me into this dark world. My body could not tolrant the prozac. I am now on Celexa and have done great for a year. One of the things that controled my life at that time was not wanting to be around people. I didn't even want to see my DH or DS. As my medicine kicked in (took about 3-6 weeks) I slowly got back into going out and each time it got better. Talk to your doctor about depression. After this surgery it can be a real thing. My anxiety and panic attacks came back just a little and left soon but I was also on my Celexa. So it does something to our emotions to have a hyst. Hope this helps. keep resting and don't go out if you don't feel like it. Let others think what they want. Take a few and rest.


Women are World Wonders