I am 22 years old and I've been living with extreme social anxiety and depression. I recently ended a dead end relationship 2weeks ago, (after telling him I had been depressed and suicidal). I relied on him too much and realized he was not educated enough to handle my situation. (nor should he be) Although I am so scared of being alone I had to do it. I was complacent, I did everything I could to please him and in return I got nothing. I wanted to blame him but I soon realized it was me and my additude towards myself. I am extremely self conscious. I am so scared of what others think of me or how I say something. I also realized on my own that I couldn't expect anyone to love me if I didn't love myself. I am sad because it's hard for me to make friends and he has so many that it drives me crazy that I will be wondering what he's doing while he's too busy being social. Luckily I heard about this program on the radio as I was having lots of anxiety on my drive home from work. I am just starting week one and I have lots of hope for my future. If anyone who is or has struggled w/ social anxiety and would like to offer any advise or a word of hope please do so. Thanks!

I have social anxiety...and have had it all my life...I am a 26 year old male (soon to be 27) I was always known as "shy and quiet" ..I am still continuing to work on this...Im tryin to make plans this week to get out and sociallize a little with people my own age....

It hasnt happened yet...but I'm making that step...

all I have to say is...go for it

I too have always felt like i did not measure up and i had to really push myself into fitting inwith people. in highschool i was able to become very outgoing and was happy. then after college and marriage and many problems later i became very secluded and i became a doormat because i felt low self esteem and lost all of my assertivness. thru this program i am slowly climbing out of this horrible nightmare. i am sooooo thankful for all the people here who post and for midwest center for making this board available. i now am learning to be myself again and if someone does not like me it is there problem.
God BLess all!!!!!!!!!!!!

I remember having my first panic attack in 7th grade. As I got older they got much worse, even to the point that I didn't go anywhere except to work and home. Seven years later I now go anywhere I want to, I ride in the back seat of cars, I have performed in plays etc. As you go through the program you must always remember to push yourself. You MUST go out, talk to people, etc. Always push!!