how do you handle yourself outside, in public places when you have ptsd

i have to go out shortly and i'm nervous, i have ptsd and find it hard to control my composure in public...i can easily feel unnerved and panicked at little things like seeing certain people, noise, crowds...and i feel flustered in places like shopping markets, i'll sweat a lot, not be self confident and feel unsure of myself too...i find it embarrassing because i worry people notice these things..

what do you think? and how can i not care what people think?

This page is a permanent link to the reply below and its nested replies. See all post replies »

Mamapolo2016 · F Best Comment

Some years ago…17 years…my husband was diagnosed with brain cancer. I made it through the 50 mile drive to the hospital where he was to have surgery. I made it through the getting him settled into a room. Then I went to Walmart to get things for his comfort. Pajamas, books.

When I entered the Walmart it all flooded over me like a tsunami. These were not private quiet tears. I sobbed like a child. I was embarrassed by my own behavior. I didn’t need to be.

Not one person - not customers, not staff, NOBODY - gave me a second glance. They just parted around me like I was a rock in a river.

Trust me when I tell you that unless you assault someone, nobody sees you. They are all wrapped up in their own stuff.

durinsBane1983 · 46-50, M

@Mamapolo2016 thankyou for your hearfelt story, i was so sorry to hear about your husband and the situation you were in, thanks as well for explaining about the behaviour of others in general, it really helped, i chose you as best answer because your post moved me.