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No, you're not alone, not even on this board. I've been through phases where I was painfully shy. They put me on Paxil when I was 17 (that was 7-8 years ago, yikes!!!) That plus a little counseling has made a world of difference in my life. I still have moments where I apologize way too much, think everyone hates me, shy away from uncomfortable situations, etc. However, compared to where I started from I think I'm doing much, much better. I think joining my sorority in college really helped me to open up a lot. The thing I've come to realize lately is that everyone has a little social anxiety and having a little more than most people is not uncommon and nothing to be ashamed of. I also find that when I am able to open up and explain myself better it fends off a lot of criticism and negative reactions I used to get from people. Communication really is key.
Anyway, it's kind of scary to think that I might have to stay on this medication forever. It's already been way too many years and I'd really like to get off of it eventually.
Just wanted to let you know that you're not alone. If you want to talk more about it feel free to e-mail me. Also - the thing I try to remember in battling my demons is to let go of my perceptions of trying to be "normal." There's no such thing and people who appear more "normal" than you really have their own problems. Just keep trying to take it one day at a time and realize when you've made progress with yourself - however small.
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