I had very bad social anxiety for most of my life, it's fairly under control with a little help from Sertraline (50mg) and I had a life changing experience back in 2016 that has probably had a good effect on me.
In 2016 I suffered from psychosis and even though it was a rather negative and terrifying experience I believe it triggered what some would call 'post traumatic growth', where an experience can bring about a positive change in ones life.
I think I'm doing quite well, I've joined a men's mental health group where we meet once a week (it's cancelled due to covid for now but we all keep in touch) and I've met a really lovely woman and we're in the process of finding out if we could be more than just friends, something I was previously highly anxious about and would have avoided. I have no problems eating out at restaurants any more and now rather enjoy the experience.
My symptoms of social anxiety were sweating profusely, increased heartrate, a tightening in my chest and a hard to describe feeling in my legs.
I guess losing ones mind (albeit temporarily) can make you appreciate and see things in a whole new light and the things that used to scare me don't any more.
