okay I know I post this video everywhere but HEAR ME OUT. this has worked for me. Granted, I did come out to a lot of my friends and that contributed, but this TED talk helped me immensely and I think everyone should see it. Amazing how much small changes can affect your life so positively. I'm a lot more confident now. EDIT: it's not a "cure" for social anxiety by any means. I still get anxious in social situations, but it's not so crippling anymore. I can even do presentations now without dreading them for weeks.
Meh in my case the only thing that has helped was exposure therapy. It sucks, it forces you to experience terrible panic, but in the long run it makes life a lot better. I went from not even being able to leave the house to being able to go to the cinema again, being able to call people when I have to etc. I still get anxiety in almost all social situations, but I'm less limited by it.
Just try your best to get past or block those feelings out.. It is hard to do this but the more you practice the better it gets.
I am really struggling with this right now. I am planning to work on getting my professional life in order and using the independence that gives me to be able to do more things and meet more people with common interests. I am stubborn, and I am stronger than this fear. I will be happy again.
I wish I knew, too. Exposure has only helped to some degree, but I'm still self-conscious all the same. I'd rather not have to opt out for medication.
