I'm always tuned out

If I'm alone, especially outside, it's rare that I won't be listening to music with at least one earphone. Especially in crowded places, if I need to do some shopping and that. People make me nervous and music calms me down, so I keep blocking out the world in favour of listening to music and fantasising about whatever mental imagery a song invokes. It gives me something to focus on, which I am grateful for. I always think people are staring at me, and I know they're not - but distracting myself with music tends to help with blocking out the people around me. On some days, I just want to keep my head down, refuse eye contact and ignore everyone I walk past - it's not like I know them. Music is a great escape from anxiety.