By using this site, you agree to our Privacy Policy and our Terms of Use. Close

Forums - General Discussion - Becoming "famous" has made my social anxiety worse

I really don't want to get into the specifics as to why/how I became "famous" in my home country, what I want though, is to say that every since I did, my social anxiety has gotten much worse, to the point that I haven't left my apartment in nearly a month, with the exception of grocery shopping 1-2 times a week. I feel extremely isolated, both physically and mentally, because I constantly have to walk on eggshells - trying not to hurt or offend anyone. It is a frustrating way to live..

I have received an enormous amount of praise over the last 1½ year, not only from the people of my country, but the national and international media as well. And while it is humbling, it is also quite scary. E.g. after I did a podcast on BBC in March, I received a lot of nice and kind messages on Facebook, but also some negative ones, telling me to go "fuck myself", "commit suicide" etc. I know they are in the minority, but I still can't help but let it get to me. 

To be honest, I don't know why I'm writing this, here of all places. Perhaps I just felt like telling someone..




Around the Network

Fame is tough. I think a lot of people have trouble dealing with it. Is this something that will fade in time? Are you at least getting some good money out of it?



Hmmm....I'm not even famous and people tell me to kill myself, and often...worse things, lol. The things they're saying to your are mild. If you're politically famous, I can only imagine what it feels like, which is why I tend to stay out of politics. As far as your anxiety goes, do more things like this, talk to friends, family, and if necessary a counselor or therapy. Don't wait until it gets too bad.

If your anxiety didn't get in your way, I'd say continue to speak your mind but if it's something to where you're fearing for your life, maybe re-evaluate your current position. That's really all I can say, I hope you find a happy medium. And be safe.



mZuzek said:
Trash will always be around humans, and it's often more vocal on the internet. Don't let yourself be affected by it.

Yeah, I know. But it is a lot easier said than done I'm afraid. When I wrote the OP, I didn't include everything, I also got accused of some horrible shit I never did, thankfully the people around me didn't believe the rumours, so it didn't, knock on wood, have any consequences for me. But the whole thing scared the shit out of me.



VAMatt said:
Fame is tough. I think a lot of people have trouble dealing with it. Is this something that will fade in time? Are you at least getting some good money out of it?

It really is. Everything you do and say will be scrutinized, and someone will always try to look for the worst in you. Not likely, but that is my own choice. Unfortunately, I won't ever get rich doing what I do



Around the Network
Ljink96 said:
Hmmm....I'm not even famous and people tell me to kill myself, and often...worse things, lol. The things they're saying to your are mild. If you're politically famous, I can only imagine what it feels like, which is why I tend to stay out of politics. As far as your anxiety goes, do more things like this, talk to friends, family, and if necessary a counselor or therapy. Don't wait until it gets too bad.

If your anxiety didn't get in your way, I'd say continue to speak your mind but if it's something to where you're fearing for your life, maybe re-evaluate your current position. That's really all I can say, I hope you find a happy medium. And be safe.

I'm sorry to hear that.. I'm not a politician, but I'm an activist of sorts, trying to get a certain subject on the political agenda. 

Family and friends is unfortunately not a luxury I got. I was raised in orphanages and I kind of burned my bridges in terms of friends during my last relationship. 



Should I call this ironic? Considering your past.

Either way, it is no surprise that becoming famous is hard. Even super rich people have to deal with tons of annoying people every day. Imagine for a second that you won the lottery, even your closest friends and family members would become different people just because you won some money. Generally, at least in my country, when people win the lottery they end up much less happy as a result of all the harrassment.

I don't have a solution for you. All I can do is suggest getting some daily habits outside of your home with trusted people and wait for time to pass.



LordLichtenstein said:
Ljink96 said:
Hmmm....I'm not even famous and people tell me to kill myself, and often...worse things, lol. The things they're saying to your are mild. If you're politically famous, I can only imagine what it feels like, which is why I tend to stay out of politics. As far as your anxiety goes, do more things like this, talk to friends, family, and if necessary a counselor or therapy. Don't wait until it gets too bad.

If your anxiety didn't get in your way, I'd say continue to speak your mind but if it's something to where you're fearing for your life, maybe re-evaluate your current position. That's really all I can say, I hope you find a happy medium. And be safe.

I'm sorry to hear that.. I'm not a politician, but I'm an activist of sorts, trying to get a certain subject on the political agenda. 

Family and friends is unfortunately not a luxury I got. I was raised in orphanages and I kind of burned my bridges in terms of friends during my last relationship. 

Damn man, that's a raw deal. Sorry that you don't have family to turn to, but we're always here if you need someone to talk to. My issues are nothing compared to yours, no need to be sorry. But yeah still, stay safe. If you feel in danger, just do what's best. Don't try to stick it out if you think your accusations can get you into some real trouble with people who oppose what you stand for.  



We reap what we sow! You should see if there is any bridge not burned too much with your friends though, I always keep some close friends who know probably too much about me, it's good to have people to bounce things (like this) off and see what they think you should do. Many on here just know you as a username and avatar... perhaps you could ask your master for assistance.... lord vader?



Why not check me out on youtube and help me on the way to 2k subs over at www.youtube.com/stormcloudlive

What are you famous for that encourages some people to go after you? I'm assuming you're famous in Britian or something because of your podcast on the BBC you mentioned, which is why I have no idea whats going on.