What I mean when I say “I can’t do that”- Anxiety Version:

• I am unable to do that
• I am too stressed out to do that
• I cannot face the humiliation of attempting to do that
• My body will physically not allow me to do that
• I am on the verge of a panic attack
• I cannot do that

What people hear:

• I am unwilling to do that
• I am just shy
• I am overreacting
• I am lazy
• I need to get more experience in social situation to help my anxiety
• I need a push
• I don’t want to do that