Fear of being attacked in public spaces

[grapefruit04]

My city is relatively safe during the day but everytime I go outside I imagine someone trying to hit me with their car or if I walk past someone and don't smile at them they will hurt me. I know these thoughts are irrational but multiple times a day I believe them for a minute and it feels awful. I've never even been attacked before it's just my anxious mind coming up with these things. How do I manage these thoughts?

 

[leloyon]

I'm the same way, except the smiling part. I try to avoid any contact, any acknowledgement. Happens every time I go outside with every person I walk past. Cars less so, though I noticed in the past that I began fearing that cars would hit me. If a car stops near me, I worry that the occupant/s will jump out and drag me in.

I also look over my shoulder constantly.

World's dangerous.

 

[mabudachi]

Ok so maybe this isn't the best thing to say - but please hear me out.
I used to be afraid of the same things when I was younger. I was always on the smaller side and dealt with some bullying so yeah.
Anyways, I'm in my 30's now. I've been jumped a couple times, assaulted 3 more, and held at gunpoint 4 times. I haven't thrown a punch since 2012 though! I don't fight anymore, just restrain or run. It's not worth escalating things. Trust me.
Maybe I'm lucky I'm still here, maybe it's just that I never let that fear show. It's still there somewhere, but over time and through experiences I've learned that pain goes away. Fear can be a tool when harnessed properly. Make a deal with fear. Because at the end of the day - we're all on here because we've wrestled some serious demons. Don't forget that. That makes you strong in ways other people won't recognize.

 

[grapefruit04]

Ok so maybe this isn't the best thing to say - but please hear me out.
I used to be afraid of the same things when I was younger. I was always on the smaller side and dealt with some bullying so yeah.
Anyways, I'm in my 30's now. I've been jumped a couple times, assaulted 3 more, and held at gunpoint 4 times. I haven't thrown a punch since 2012 though! I don't fight anymore, just restrain or run. It's not worth escalating things. Trust me.
Maybe I'm lucky I'm still here, maybe it's just that I never let that fear show. It's still there somewhere, but over time and through experiences I've learned that pain goes away. Fear can be a tool when harnessed properly. Make a deal with fear. Because at the end of the day - we're all on here because we've wrestled some serious demons. Don't forget that. That makes you strong in ways other people won't recognize.

I have been looking back on your reply and it brings me comfort, seeing your strength makes me believe in my own. Even if my worst thoughts were to come true, they can be survived. Thank you and I hope that you are doing well

 

[mabudachi]

I have been looking back on your reply and it brings me comfort, seeing your strength makes me believe in my own. Even if my worst thoughts were to come true, they can be survived. Thank you and I hope that you are doing well

Fuck yeah! Thats the spirit! Live your life with your head held high and follow your heart

 

[calebzz1]

I'm sorry to hear of your fear.

I can heavily relate because while off my drop I contend with low vision daily and have to be very mindful of my surroundings, it's like being a notch below survival mode.

I usually have a serious face which doesn't help but what personally helped was making the tough decision to get a white cane so people know I'm visually impaired and to help with navigation.

I had a wooden cane gifted my mom's church friend's husband which helped but people assumed I was a lot more functional visually.

I can never "relax" like normal people do unfortunately in my current state which is the most annoying part about my condition but I'm always polite and courteious with other people because I would get ate up in any confrontation LOL!

I'm not a violent person at all and conceal my emotions which makes myself pretty unreadable.