I started the program in 2007 and have gone through the program twice. I have gotten a handle on my panic attacks and worry but in the process have become very self aware. I am in business for myself and I have found myself having more and more anxiety when I am in a group setting. I am avoiding social situations and don't know where this fear is coming from. I am having difficulty relating to people and it is have a major impact on my business and personal life. Please help.

I think this is a common problem with people like us. What helped me, and i found it by accident, I'm on facebook. It really helped me to get back in touch with people i used to know, and it helped me remember how to socialize. I had forgotten how to do it as my fear grew and my condition got worse. It's really good practice, doing it from a far. But, it's not for everyone. I've heard that some people have a problem with doing the social networking thing. If you think you can handle it, you should give it a try!!! You might get a kick out of hearing from people that you haven't for years. In fact, i found that i wasn't as different from others as i had thought.

Bill

I started having social anxiety in 2003. I got written up at work because I scared someone. I still can figure out why others peoples perception of me is my fault. It became an anxiety because since then I've try hard to fit in and have people perceive me in a positive light. I've been a loner all of my life, and never really cared what people thought of me. Now it's an issue because what people think of me does effect me in the work place.

Hi...I have social anxiety too, it's tough when you work with the public! I'm a general manager of a local steakhouse...part of my job is getting out, and talking to the customers. I almost feel like I have to become an alternet ego to that...it's awful. I get out there...an quite honestly go on automatic pilot to get through it. On the outside people think I'm one of the most social people they know ( YA RIGHT)! I tell them if they could jump inside me for a second they jump right back out...cause they'd know being me is not a safe place to be lol! I'm really hoping I can get past this anxiety over every little thing...& start living life with this program...just started session 3 lol! I may hve to stay on this one for awhile...lived a lifetime of negative thinking...keep your fingers crossed for me!

It's really good that you have that alterego that helps you cope in a public setting. I have no such thing. I have my group of friends who are social and I tend to be the quiet guy in the group. Im a car enthusiast and I go out on meets with other people but I'm always the shy one who'll talk to one person that I know and that's it. I can't get out of my shell and it's soooooo frustratiing.

I too feel like I've been a loner all my life and it's really affecting my moods.

i just started. i read the intro book and watched the intro video. i'm excited!