I am amazed at this NSV!

cityjaneLondon

The strangest thing that has happened to me since losing weight is the loss of my phobia.
It sounds a bit weird to most people but I really could not bear background music in restaurants or shops. I would have a panic attack and have to leave. It had been like that since I was depressed when I was 33 and although I am not depressed now the phobia had stuck with me.
As you can imagine it made life very difficult as I would have to plan where I was going very carefully and it made a social life difficult. I more or less stopped going out unless it was to places I knew did not have music. Shopping was out except for one or two places.
I tried hypnotherapy which did lessen it a bit, but I just resigned myself to doing most things online.
Then I started to lose the weight and began to feel really good about myself. Really proud and much more confident. Suddenly the phobia has disappeared! I still prefer places without music, but have been able to go to several restaurants recently without freaking out and I can't tell you what a relief it is. I no longer dread an invitation.
Has anyone else had a weird result from losing weight?

Oh_Allie

When I dropped 90 pounds a few years ago my social anxiety almost completely disappeared. I was no longer afraid to go anywhere. Since gaining it back (and then some) I've been hit hard by crippling anxiety. Weight really does have an effect on mental state.

Congratulations on your progress and I hope that it only gets better as time goes on!

cityjaneLondon

Oh Allie, so sorry to hear about your social anxiety. It is so weird how things happen when we are thinking about something else. I never would have thought my phobia would get better with weight loss! I send you my best wishes and I am sure you will be able to lose the weight again. Keep logging on here and look at success stories, they are so inspiring. I love them especially the pics.

pspetralia

That is great news!!

jzammetti

I have always dealt with social anxiety to one degree or another. This weekend I spent three days with about 100 people I have never met before (the worst situation for me) and I was able to stay engaged, meet new people, and enjoy myself (but it does tire me out considerably). I am not sure I can say my weight loss accounts for that, but feeling more self confident was definitely a plus!

willdob3

That is wonderful! Talk about a great side effect!