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I know first hand what it feels like to feel lonely in a crowd. I suffer from social anxiety disorder. This happens to me quite frequently. I will share some of the ways I cope with this feeling of loneliness.

Now that I am older, I realize that I have always suffered form Social Anxiety Disorder. I have always been kind of a loner and felt very uncomfortable in crowds. I didn't realize though that this was a real mental disorder until two thousand and four, when I started going to a therapist.

In high school I had a lot of friends. As long as it was just a couple of us doing things together I was okay, but when they wanted to do group things like, going to the movies, parties, and that sort of thing I just felt uneasy. Sometimes I would get so worked up that I would get sick to my stomach.

Going to college was not any easier for me. I was scared to death. The classes were huge and I felt like everyone was watching me. I still made friends easy enough. I am a very outgoing person that is why having this disorder is hard on me. I really want to do things with my friends and participate in group activities. I even get uncomfortable sometimes at family reunions. This is my family for heavens sake.

So I decided I was going to do something about it. That is when I started to see a therapist. Now I understand it is not just me, it is a real genuine problem. My doctor prescribed me some medicine for anxiety. It has helped me tremendously. She also recommended me to build a strong support group of family and friends that I could talk to when I needed them. She said it was not good for me to keep my feelings inside, and that I should let them out.

I do participate in group activities now. And, at times I still have that lonely feeling wash over me. I take a couple of deep breaths and try to relax. I tell myself that these people are my friends and family, and they love me.

If I get to decide where to meet my friends, I often pick an outdoor place if weather permits. This way I am outside in the fresh air, and I don't feel like I am smothering. For example; I got to pick where we were going to have my last family reunion. I picked a beautiful lake that had a great picnic area and was surrounded by lovely scenery. Everyone loved it. I felt completely comfortable in this atmosphere.The reunion was a huge success and I did not freak out one time.

The best advice I can give you on how not feel lonely in a crowd, would be for you to do what ever it takes to make you comfortable. Rather it be meeting outdoors or doing some deep breathing, just be you. I would urge people to see a doctor if you are having a lot of problems dealing with crowds. I know firsthand how the loneliness feels.

In closing, my advice to you would be to meet outside whenever possible, be yourself, do some deep breathing to slow your heart rate down, and do what you have to in order to feel comfortable in these situations. Make sure that you have friends and family to talk to, because a great support system can help tremendously. And, if it is necessary you can talk to your doctor about some anxiety medication that will help you feel a little calmer in these crowds.

Learn more about this author, Jennifer Hall.
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