How long has your social anxiety been affecting you?

[Esmin]

yeah me too, since about 16 I think. so for me 14 years. There was a couple of years where i was free of the anxiety but came back again and now have bad insomnia past 3 years too

About the same for me then Suzee, i hope that you can overcome yours

[Esmin]

Hi Esmin
Thanks for your reply. In answer to your question, no I haven't received any treatment. I'm what you call one of those people who perhaps 'choose' to suffer in silence. I do hope that you will be successful in receiving some form of psychotherapy. All the best to you.

Hi yeah me too, I hope that you can gather the strength to get better or that maybe some kind of treatment can be of help to u in the future

[Angie Clinton]

I don't have much trouble in this problem.

[getmeoutofhere1]

For years!!!!!! I hate groups of people ahhh

[Gajolene]

I've had social anxiety for as long as I can remember. The childhood envirornment and lack of healthy encouragement and support, I am sure is the main contributor of this. The least in social anxiety years was mid twenties to late 30's, now in mid 40's seems to be a major recurrance, in agorophobia too. I have come to a certain acceptance of it in many aspects however. Many successfull non-social, non conformists in the world. At times I regret it, get depressed and angry. Other times it seems very safe and I embrace the peacefullness of solitude. Internet being my main social outlet, giving me courage to speak out freely. Still self protective with identity when speaking out, but definately feels safer, can make friends and have thouroghly facinating discussion. Groups in public I agree....ahhhhhh hate them. simply hate them

[dawndeec]

Esmin! I'm the exact same as you! I'm 18 and have had anxiety for about 12 months! It's taking over my life! The best thing I think helped most is desensitizing! Medication doesn't work for me But some-days are worse than others and some people can be triggers. its really not fair. I miss my normal life.