I've made a lot of progress by really embracing looking like an idiot. It's not that big a deal, really. Just keep putting yourself in new situations and tackling your problems head on and the more you look a fool, the easier the next time will be. I've pretty much burned out my embarrassment circuits. If you're not getting seriously embarrassed once a week or so (maybe more like once a day), you're too ensconced in your comfort zone.

I had a very long talk with my sweetheart today, about bringing my cane / walking stick around more so other people will recognize my needs. Usually he guides me, and ppl can’t tell. He talked about our last trip and how when I had my cane, he felt an outpouring of love toward me - that ppl want to help.

I had not considered that.

I too have been so self-conscious, I assume I’m in everyone’s way or judgements are going on. It was a very good conversation for me. It helped. I hope it helps you too.

I am most uncomfortable / jumpy in a car. I have just enough vision to be startled by all the movement and nearness. I guess I’m afraid of dieing and not seeing it coming. Weird right? It’s a reaction I’ve never been able to calm.

So if you can’t calm what you’re going through, I understand. But I hope you’ll find things to ease the pain and stress. Such as asking ppl to introduce themselves, etc. shortcuts that work for you, dear heart. Hugs.

Have you considered trying to get a guide dog? My girlfriend is legally blind and getting her dog had vastly improved her confidence getting around on her own. I know it can be really tough with a cane.

I have no peripheral vision and fuzzy, staticy central vision. I’ve been using a cane in public places, and I feel the stares because it’s obvious I can still see. I just go with it because my cane gives me confidence. I have much less anxiety now in public, even if people look at me like I’m a fraud.

I've found that when I changed the way I thought about people's reactions to me that I felt better. It took some time and practice but it has helped. Just remember that you're not the one making stupid faces at a stranger who can see how stupid those faces are. :D I also found that wearing my shades at all times made me feel more comfortable. I can look whereever I want under them and nobody knows. And even if you don't feel so confident, walk with your shoulders back and spine straight; it makes breathing easier and you will look more confident. Over time, you'll start to feel that confidence. All of this takes time and patience with yourself. Other people don't control your life unless you let them. Also sometimes you'll get free food heh (I've had so many sighted people buy my meal for me when I'm out and about; it's really sweet of them but I also find it pretty funny.)
Alternatively, consider getting a guide dog. People react differently to them. But you will end up talking to everyone whether you like it or not if you have a dog, and you will hear all of the dead pet stories. People love to tell me about their dead pets when they see my guide and I wish they wouldn't do that so much, but I get it.
I should say too that I am a hardcore introvert with anxiety and post traumatic stress disorder. Sometimes you just have to walk toward the things that scare you. Most people are really nice, especially clerks and food service people if you are nice to them. I usually ask what's on the menu that might have whatever I'm in the mood for and they will read it to me. It's a bit of a chore sometimes, but I would rather pay for something I want than something I don't.

I'm sorry not to have more concrete answers.
I have no useful vision at all and get a lot of sympathy for it, but it may be easier ... I can't see the stares etc.

I suppose all I can really say is that your life is just as valid as anybody, and it's for others to adjust to what really are reasonably minor things for them to adjust to when conversing and interacting with you.

Hey man sorry you’re feeling this way. I’m not blind, but hopefully you can just learn to shrug things off? There’s a lady I work with that has physical deformities and the children there always stare at her, but she just says, “There just kids and I tell them why I look like this if they ask.”

Some are mean and some simply are just curious. I think for you, just act totally blind and maybe wear dark sunshades on a day you’re really feeling anxious. Everyone needs their own “cloak of invisibility”

I know what you mean. Both my central and peripheral are pretty shot but central is much worse, so I get especially nervous when it comes to eye contact. I think for me what helped was addressing the elephant in the room and moving on--making some kind of blind joke and then redirecting the conversation to something we have in common. I think sighted people are most self-consciosu about the blindness in the first few seconds of conversation, and after that it's somewhat easier to get them to calm down and see past it.

I’m completely blind and don’t let people looking at me get me down.

I can’t see them but my nan and aunties get pissed off but I don’t care and I’d recommend you try to do the same

You mention stressing about falling on your face so I have a couple of questions: 1. Do you have a long cane, a cane that goes up to your breast bone if you’re in the UK or up to your nose if you’re in the US? If not and it’s a symbol cane, I’d recommend getting a long cane.

2. Have you considered getting mobility training?

Keep being strong, I believe in you :)

As another introvert and someone who has had intense social anxiety:

I agree the part where people hear you explain your problems and then they seemingly seem to forget them the next second is the worst. I'm not blind but I do stick out, got several disorders as they are called.

I am thinking, perhaps we need more education around this. Classes in school, Emotional Intelligence is one thing I am pondering. EQ. It would help people understand others more and perhaps if they imagined themself in your shoes they would remember that you will be "looking" at their ear without them looking over their shoulder.

Stress fucking sucks. We all have it but you who are visually impaired must have it even more, I am trying, but I can't imagine how it is like properly.

I'm sorry that you have had such negative experiences with people.. I'm sure most of them don't mean any harm but they just don't have the same awareness. This notion has relieved some of my social anxiety coupled with other strategies. Also knowing that you are not alone. Even sighted people experience shitty social anxiety too.

Haha yes, wanting to hide in the shadows, preferably in my room but somehow always sticking out, in the spotlight.

I hope you can receive help with this stress that seems to be taking up much of your life. There are people, including me, who want to spread more awareness and stuff.. so life will be easier for us all. Hey, you are one of them too.

Thank you. Peace.

hey, i know using a cane is tough cause of all the unwanted attention— it’s why i took so long to use it even when i really needed it. my best advice? honestly i don’t think people care too much— sure, some people stare, and i understand how even just 5 seconds of unwanted attention is 5 seconds too much, but honestly i think it’s out of sight, out of mind for most peopl. people will notice, for sure, but i don’t think it’ll get to that ‘looking over the shoulder’ extent because at the end of the day, we’re just people with sunglasses and canes. and i think you’d be surprised at how much people want to just help— not stare, not gawk, but genuinely help. sure, sometimes sighted people mess up at the extent they go to, but it comes from a good place— i think that’s what you should remember. people are usually a lot better than you initially are afraid they actually are.

best of luck, really :)

Excercise at gym regularly - get some staff to set you up.

I think it will help with your anxiety and confidence.

Maybe you could check out r/anxiety