I understand what you mean. The difference between making genuine progress and just pretending everything is hunky dory but suffering for it.
The true me wouldn't ever leave the house and feels overwhelmed and scared of going to the supermarket. I feel like such a big child. I am intelligent and I understand very complex things but I can't do all these adult things.
You know what, I think you are confusing the "true you" with the anxious you. Things like going to the store shouldn't be a huge issue. Are you being treated for anxiety and/or depression?
I just know that these things don't get better, I just get better at hiding them cause I know I shouldn't have a meltdown because of stuff like that.
You're right, you shouldn't be having a meltdown because of them. Repetitive exposure to situations that make you uncomfortable helps some people - it doesn't help everyone, just like not every treatment is suitable for everyone and looks like it's not helping you very much. Have you discussed this with your therapist? You might need to find a new therapist, a new treatment, new medications (if you are even taking any).
I get what you are saying and no, that's not normal and no, you shouldn't feel you just have to struggle on pretending.