Out of place

Yes.

I feel vulnerable, while visiting somewhere I'm not used to. Even becoming increasingly self-conscious.

Thats interesting. Pleased for you it's that way round. Even before I speak to new people I feel lost in the environment.

Double whammy

I often experience the opposite.  In a new place with new people I feel ok because I haven't alienated them yet with my language or behaviour.

Thanks, good to know, I will do

Stick with it, JT. Everything gets better with time.

You sound like you are well practiced and have good awareness of your triggers which is inspiring to read.

I'm less than a year in after diagnosis so I guess I'm still discovering myself again.

For years I thought I was having panic attacks, turns out it was the sensory overwhelm in me which has been a revelation tbh.

Thanks for your response

Hello JT. 

I sometimes experience a shift in my sense of self or my ability to speak to people due to social anxiety or a sensory overload (almost invariably too much noise) when in a new or unfamiliar environment.  

I like to travel and see new places and I have to be mindful of becoming over anxious—and so I look out for physical or emotional signals that I'm getting uncomfortable.

I manage my anxiety with deep breathing.