How do I get help for my social anxiety?

[NonexistentEntity]

I feel like my social anxiety just keeps getting worse and I don't know what to do. Therapy has helped a little in the past but I can't afford it now. Can't afford to go to a doctor either. I don't have health insurance. I wish I could have a job where I didn't have to talk to people. I have to plan out conversations in my head in order to not get anxious before I have to talk to people who I dont know, such as customers, but if the conversation strays from what I have planned, it's like my brain stops functioning... it's so frustrating... sometimes after something like that happens I notice that I'm shaking and not breathing properly. I avoid talking to people unless I really have to. I think all of my coworkers don't like me because I don't really talk to them. I probably seem unfriendly. I need help.

[Emxif]

I'm really sorry you're going through this—it sounds incredibly challenging. It's frustrating when social anxiety feels like it's taking control, especially when you don't have access to therapy or healthcare. It might help to take things one step at a time. Maybe focusing on small, manageable interactions could make social situations a bit less daunting. And remember, it’s okay to be kind to yourself; you're doing your best in a difficult situation. As for your coworkers, they may not realize what you're dealing with, so they might not understand why you’re quiet. Sometimes, sharing a little about your anxiety with someone you trust can open up understanding, but only if you feel comfortable doing so.

[designguy]

I've healed my social anxiety and my suggestion, since you can't afford therapy, is that you spend some time on youtube learning about social anxiety and how to deal with it. The more you educate yourself about it and figure out why and how you developed it the better off you are going to be. You might check out the youtube of Sebastiaan at Social Anxiety Solutions, he is someone who had SA, healed himself and now helps others and offers really good free advice. I'm sure there are also others on youtube that you will find helpful also there is a lot of really good free info on there.

Basically for whatever reason(s) your perceptions of how people perceive you and how you perceive others is distorted and flawed and you need to learn new constructive ways of thinking. I went for years thinking that people didn't like me and finally realized that the opposite was true, that people really did like and value being with me. It is definitely possible to heal and get on with life.

[Karobbins]

You are so brave to ask for help! I think the comments made previously are spot on; however, if you ever need help getting healthcare...I'm there for you. It's my job so, why not? You need help....you could contact me. Anytime

[CL3V3R-G1RL]

With social anxiety the only way to overcome it is to expose yourself to social situations. And don't take failure in as a personal flaw on your part. It's all about trial and error. Yeah there are those moments where you are going to fail at it. But you know what it's perfectly okay. What's the worse that can happen? It's a little awkward but people forget about it. You can even make fun of it.

If you have a slip up at work, be honest with the customer. Say hey I'm actually really nervous about speaking and I'm trying really hard to overcome it. You be surprised at how people change and are like "No problem, buddy. Take your time to collect your thoughts." Or something like that. Because people who don't have social anxiety can relate to talking to a total stranger being difficult. To create small talk and trying to strike up conversation out of thin air is work. Everyone has been through that.

Also Dare by Barry McDonagh works great. It's a book. I know thrifty books has it real cheap or eBay. Nothing wrong in buying second hand. Also as another member mentioned here YouTube videos of Dare by Barry McDonagh are on there and you can watch for free.

Wishing you healing and peace 🫂❤️