socail anxiety, what the fuck to do?

[Idontknow]

First of all I've suffered from panic attacks/death anxiety since I was around the 13 years old.
I've had a bit of social anxiety but always found some ways to get rid of it!

But now Im starting to get reeeaaall anxiety if I just have to buy food, or be near to many people..
I dont know what to do anymore.. I used to could walk away for ½ hour with a friend or something and then it would be gone or atleast better when I came back but now I can bearly walk down the streets to pick up a milk without getting panick attacks and feeling like im not real..

I have been offered to take some pills against it but I dont really want to..
Cause it wont make it go away, or well it will but it will still be there only hidden with pills..

anyone who got an idea what I can do cause this shit it literly taking over my life

[pixxiedust]

I don't hav any tips 4 u cos I'm in the same boat, and I hope someone has some good ideas!

[Idontknow]

It sucks! I really hope someone can come up with an idea too.. Cause I dont know wtf to do anymore ((

[pixxiedust]

Come on somebody!

[Piids]

Warning! Long reply!

You're doing the right thing trying to get some support, having suffered from anxiety and social phobia, and to some extent still do, there is only so much you can do on your own. (I am by no means qualified to give medical advice and the below is merely from what I learned myself in my process)

First of all, depending on medication it wont necessarily just conceal your issue, our brains are basically one big chemical computer that relies on hormones and chemicals which we produce to be in a certain balance. By taking certain medication all you are doing is restoring balance slightly and giving you some energy to tackle your issues. I had the same concern and it scared me and prevented me from seeking help for several years, so please don't be afraid, ask instead that they explain why they suggest medication and what effects it would have on you.

Medication alone wont however solve your problems because it will only reduce your anxiety and wont remove your actual phobia - However, combined with other treatment (Self-help, counselling, psychotherapy or CBT) the reduced anxiety will help you deal with your phobia and thereby will provide a long term solution.

The NHS (UK national health service) has some good self help information online:
nhs.uk/Conditions/Phobias/Pages/Self-help.aspx

You can also click onto the phobia page for more information.

Having already admitted to yourself that you have a problem, you have already overcome the hardest obstacle and from here on out, although you may still have bad days to come, it's the start of getting better!