People do not get it.

Hi I’m new here. It’s so good to see there are so many people like me out there.

I was at a work event this last week. Hundreds of people from all over the country (and world) in one place. People started getting sick—claimed food poisoning, but I was like there is no way so many people are getting food poisoning at random intervals like this. It’s norovirus or something.

This made me withdraw. I spent most of my time alone after this (outside of the work activities), despite some questioning from peers. Some more senior people lightly chastised me that I needed to take advantage of the networking opportunities. I told them I’m doing my best, but since not been feeling well. I told my peers that I’ve had a phobia of this since I was a child, so I’m doing my best to stay present while also minimizing the triggers since I’m away from home and already having baseline anxiety from this.

And they just don’t get it. “Aw, well something always goes around at events like this!” “You’ll be all right, don’t worry!” etc. I just wish people could understand that I’m not just being prissy or something—I’m genuinely struggling with a psychological issue I’ve had my entire life. One that I cope with quite well 99% of the time! This is just one of those times my environment makes it impossible to be functional.

Despite this, I went out the last night with friends. I had fun—didn’t let my fear hold me back. But now, I’m not feeling well, and regretting that decision somewhat. I’m so scared. And it sucks to feel so alone in this sometimes. :(