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Anxiety Quote by Anja Owona Okoa

“At that moment my shyness and anxiety all flooded back and I took a few steps back, and then sank to the ground; crouching, overwhelmed, covering my face. ‘What will he think? What if he already hates me? Maybe I was wrong in the first place? Maybe he didn’t like me at all.’ No matter how much I…” quote by Anja Owona Okoa
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““At that moment my shyness and anxiety all flooded back and I took a few steps back, and then sank to the ground; crouching, overwhelmed, covering my face. ‘What will he think? What if he already hates me? Maybe I was wrong in the first place? Maybe he didn’t like me at all.’ No matter how much I tried, I wasn’t able to produce a single positive thought to counter my panic. I wasn’t able to take a deep breath and relax. This day had been too eventful. I began to shake furiously, afraid of what was to come. ‘He hates me! He hates me!’ I thought over and over. Hot tears began to fall down my cheeks and I squeezed my eyes trying to stop them. My breathing quickened. What was I doing? I had said what I wanted, proudly, trying to be something to him but here I was: a total mess. ‘What kind of a confession ends in a panic attack? GET A HOLD OF YOURSELF!’ I thought furiously, my efforts rewarded with futility. The world started to spin, my mouth becoming numb for reasons I couldn’t understand, almost as if to prevent me from panicking aloud. As if I had the friggin’ courage.””

Anja Owona Okoa

About This Quote

Source Personal narrative (unknown)

Social anxiety triggers catastrophic thoughts, physical panic, and self‑critical loops that impair functioning.

In simple terms: Anxiety creates overwhelming negative thoughts and physical symptoms.

Key Takeaway

Practice grounding and self‑compassion to break panic cycles.

Themes

anxiety panic attacks self‑criticism social fear mental health

Mood

anxious overwhelmed reflective

Type

Anxiety:1 Anxiety-attack:1 First place:0 Hot tea:0 Panic:1 Panic attacks:1 Time:0 Panicking:1 Panicking Aloud:0 Panic Wasn:0 Counter Panic:0

When to use this quote

  • social interactions
  • public speaking
  • therapy sessions
  • self‑help practice

Key Concepts

cognitive distortion physiological response mindfulness techniques

Questions to Reflect On

  • What grounding technique helps you?
  • How can you reframe self‑critical thoughts?
A Different Perspective

Recovery requires time and support; not all panic episodes resolve quickly.

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