My Social Anxiety

I've officially had enough of living with social anxiety. For those not in the know, social anxiety is defined by the American Psychiatric Association as "A marked and persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that he or she (she in this case) will act in a way that will be humiliating or embarrassing". I have been living with this "marked and persistent fear" since the day I was born. I was a very quiet baby who grew into a quite child, then into the painfully shy person I am today.

When I was around 16 or 17 I saw a cognitive therapist for about 5 or 6 sessions. But I was too shy to properly participate in the sessions so all in all it was not hugely helpful. I am now 20 and just finished my second year of university. Since the beginning of starting uni I have gained under 10 new phone numbers and made 3 solid friends (who I am currently living with) and one boyfriend. I'm hugely grateful/astonished that I managed even this, however seeing my housemates involved in activities and going out with their coursemates tends to bring home how little I've accomplished.

I want so badly to make the next academic year count and hopefully this blog will provide me with the motivation I need to make the changes that need to be made in my life.