in public i always feel like i'm guilty of something for example shoplifting, because the staff looks at me

[xXSufferingXx]

i have this weird brain fart or whatever where i create scenarios in my own head, like in the supermarket:
"the staff thinks you're stealing", and then it makes me nervous and then i look like i'm stealing EVEN MORE THAN I LOOKED LIKE BEFORE.

what do i mean by "i look like i steal"?

well, hoodies happen to be my favorite piece of clothing ever... sadly also stereotyped and asociated with criminals.
i like having the hoodie up, because it's almost like a like shelter from other people and the noise they bring.

but anyway, then when i feel like THEY THINK I'M STEALING, i overthink it and my face looks really guilty of shoplifting, WHICH I NEVER DID IN MY GODDAMN LIFE.

what is this disorder called? lol

 

[if_i_make_it]

take this w a grain of salt but this seems like OCD to me. anxiety is hellish, I feel you. I'm always in my head and anticipating what other people might think, its really exhausting.

 

[Kanau_Nano]

Sounds like anxiety. I feel the same thing. Also hoodies are super comfy and I think the same sbout them.

 

[violetforever]

i have that feeling of discomfort and guilt when im around people too. i feel like ive just done something noticeably wrong even though im just there existing like any other person in the room. im shy too so sometimes i just dont acknowledge or greet people and i know it comes off rude and like im ignoring them but its really my own insecurity :/

 

[ben_]

i'd also say anxiety. i think it's nice that you can name exactly what you're worried about. not like me - anxious as fuck and no idea why. well, not anymore.. i overcame it by not really going anywhere anymore so i'm fine now

i'm wondering if earphones would help you. tbh i don't think so, but may be worth trying.

 

[thelostautistic]

You're not the only one. I'm very paranoid and anxious and have similar thoughts to yourself. I don't want to diagnose you or self diagnose myself but I've suspected for some time that I may have ocd? Have you spoken to anyone in person about these thoughts?