Same here. Never found therapy useful personally. I think a lot of people underestimate how important it is to have some kind of support network when it comes to this disorder. Hang in there man

Thank you ..

I think it is helpful to have people around you. If you're not able to get it through group therapy supports or what have you, as you'd mentioned you've been there done that, ect ect.

I am a recovering agoraphobic, & I still painfully deal with this, depending on how I feel, what I've eaten, exercise, how I've decided to deal with my emotions, the people I NOW surround myself with.

I have always kept people at bay, but now I'm slowly & steadily choosing whom I want to be around. With no push & believe me I've been PUSHED to mingle with those I have not wanted to.

I may still not have a lot of family (friends) in my life, but I make sure to have interaction with people now. Even though in my head I am constantly fighting my old behaviors. Such as I want a career where I do not have to be around people, that's fine & dandy to a point, but not total isolation. I must make sure I am in groups or sports, getting some kind of human touch and healing this way.

I hope the best for you. I believe there comes a time, when push comes to shove, & you will do whatever it is you need to on your own time & your own terms.

thats great indulge .. I hope that things continue to move forward for you .... I have no friends to either surround myself with or to try and push away ... Its the hardest part trying to make them ...

I know it is. It takes a special kind of person, to see US & not discriminate nor judge. They seem to be few & far between, but they are out there.

yes so i have been told they are .... but as time goes by you do wonder ..

New to this forum, but not new to social anxiety at all. I agree that the only way to gain any relief is to force yourself out there. I got recently started with therapy but nothing concrete yet.

I work with people that have a variety of disabilities and I have a disability myself so interacting with them is the best thing for me. They understand for who I am and what I do not for what I am. I also help a family with 6 children and I love it. I love being around children. Especially the little ones!

I agree with everything here (except the job part -- I'm retired and don't work anymore).

Go out there and do something in a group... if you "screw up" you can just leave that group and go on to the next group, and go back to the first groups when you don't feel embarrassed any more. :)