i am also new

Papusza · Newbie User Joined: Mar 11, 2008 Posts: 1 Location: canada

hello... um well i have had issues with being shy all my life, but just recently.. well probally a year and a half ago.. i realized it was more than just shyness and that i have social anxiety disorder. I havent done anything to treat it and i fear that there is nothing that can help me. I hope that maybe i can get a little guidance... Embarassed

zeroday · Posted: Tue Mar 11, 2008 10:36 pm Post subject:

Hi,
talking about it is a good start. go to meetup.com and see if there are any support groups in your area. some people have found therapy to be of help. if you go to your family doctor, they can refer you to a specialist.

it takes quite a bit of courage to go seek help but dont despair, good luck to you!

Broken_Memory · Posted: Fri Mar 14, 2008 1:51 am Post subject:

I agree with Zeroday, its definitely good to talk to someone about it. I discovered I had social phobia when I was 15 (I'd always been shy but hadn't known about social phobia). I had therapy then, but found that it didn't help me because I don't think I quite understood it. I am 20 now and definitely understand it and can sense patterns. I have been seeing a very good therapist for a year and I feel like I have made a lot of progress, even though I still feel very nervous in new situations.