Hi everyone!
I think that Social phobia/anxiety is one of the toughest things to get help for because;
1. it's not well publicised, so lots of people don't even know that it has a name
2. we have such a poor impression of ourselves, or low self esteem that we automatically assume that 'it's just us' or 'it's our fault'
3. we are naturally private individuals and don't want to impose upon others with our problems
4. we are too frightened to make a phone call to make an appointment with our GP
5. we are too worried that people might think we are crazy.
But I think that regardless of whether we seek professional help or not, there is one key point...we have to help ourselves when
we feel ready to.
There's no point forcing yourself into getting help when you don't feel mentally/emotionally ready for it. Just take things step by step and congratulate yourself for each little step that you take.
Believe me, if you seek help when you are ready, you will improve much more rapidly.
I know what you mean when you feel that your SP has got worse...I have felt that lately. But what I keep clinging to is the notion that it's only a minor set-back and we have done it before..we can do it again!
I hope I have been of some help. Keep in touch with the forum and we'll all get through it.
