It can be frustrating and challenging when someone close to you, like your mom, doesn't understand your social anxiety when shopping in person. There could be several reasons for this lack of understanding:
Limited Awareness: Social anxiety is a complex mental health condition, and not everyone is well-informed about it. Your mom may not fully understand the nature of social anxiety, its symptoms, and how it affects you.
Lack of Personal Experience: If your mom hasn't experienced social anxiety herself or known someone who has, it may be difficult for her to empathize or relate to what you're going through.
Different Perspectives: People have varying tolerance levels for social situations and different ways of coping with anxiety. Your mom might not comprehend why you find shopping in person challenging because it may not evoke the same feelings of anxiety in her.
Generational Differences: Sometimes, generational gaps can lead to differences in understanding mental health issues. Mental health awareness and openness about discussing psychological challenges have improved over time, but some older generations may still have stigmas or misconceptions about anxiety and other mental health conditions.
Communication Barriers: Effective communication is essential in conveying your feelings and experiences. If you haven't communicated your social anxiety and its impact on you clearly, your mom may not be aware of the extent of your struggles.
Coping Strategies: People often develop coping mechanisms to handle anxiety or stress that might differ from person to person. Your mom might have her ways of managing anxiety, which could be different from yours.
Normalization of Anxiety: Some individuals may normalize feelings of anxiety, assuming that everyone experiences them to some degree. They might not recognize that your social anxiety is causing significant distress and impairment.
Addressing this issue requires open and honest communication. Here are some steps you can take:
Educate: Try to explain to your mom what social anxiety is, how it affects you, and how it is a real and challenging condition that requires understanding and support.
Share Your Feelings: Open up about your experiences and feelings when it comes to shopping in person. Help her understand the thoughts and emotions you face during these situations.
Seek Professional Help: If your mom is willing, consider attending a therapy session together, where a mental health professional can provide insights into social anxiety and its impact.
Patience and Understanding: Be patient with your mom and understand that it might take time for her to grasp the complexities of social anxiety fully.
Remember that it's okay to seek support from others, even if your mom doesn't fully understand. You can also lean on friends, other family members, or support groups where people share similar experiences with social anxiety.