Social Anxiety Blogs

Hi everyone, I just joined the site... so glad to have found resources for this disorder, although it is difficult for me to accept that what I may have is an actual 'disorder'-- that sounds so harsh. However, it is a relief to know that there are others out there experiencing the same things as me-- up to now, I didn't know what to make of my physical/mental symptoms, which consist of avoiding social situations often, feeling intense anxiety when talking to people and sometimes barely being able to carry on a conversation, being exhausted all the time from all the worrying...

Here's a little history: I have felt anxiety around others, in varying degrees, ever since I can remember. I'm trying to understand what triggers the problem, why it's worse at times than others. Lately it has been nearly unmanageable-- that's why I finally started looking for support. I checked out a book from the library after doing some online research, called "Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety"-- if anyone has read it, please let me know because I would love to hear what you thought about it.

Anyway, I am actively trying to find support groups in my area (Honolulu), and am considering starting my own if I can't find one.

My goals are to be able to go out and meet/be with people on a regular basis, to lessen and hopefully overcome anxiety at work, and to start building more relationships. Dating in particular has been very difficult in the last three years or so, and I hope to eventually be able to date again without feeling overwhelming anxiety.

Here's to big change... I am ready!