Originally posted by CatMama78

I also have a serious problem with wanting to be social, or wanting to be around anyone other than my boys (by boys, I mean my cats ). This social phobia as the term is called now, prevents me from doing things like going to company christmas parties and family functions. It's not the not wanting to go that bothers me, cause I don't see anything wrong with being a 'loner', it's the fact that I know I'm obligated to go, sort of and I can't just shrug it off and say it's just a night - instead it's like a major trauma and panic the whole day. It just seems to get worse with time.

I know I seeing a dcotor would be wise, but I can't seem to build up the courage.[/B]
That's me. I was diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder about 5 1/2-6 years ago, at age 16. I've been on Paxil for 5 years and it has helped a lot. It did however come with a lot of side-effects. I am currently being switched to zoloft so that my husband and I can start a family soon. Even on the paxil I hardly go anywhere without Justin. Before the paxil I couldn't go anywhere, period. High school was pure torture, I spent most of my time in and out of school crying.

If I were you I would see a doctor. Believe me when I say I know it's hard. I have justin make the appointment and then he goes with me.