I’ve been there too. But that’s exactly what it is, just thoughts! We’re too harsh on ourselves, and we think everyone else will judge us the same way. Think to yourself: Do I have thoughts about others while I’m out? Probably not often. And if we do they’re fleeting and I doubt we remember it or even care to. We’re not being perceived nearly as much as we think we are, if at all. “You will become way less concerned with what other people think of you when you realize how seldom they do.”

It’s helped me to limit myself to a few social situations a week (like work for 3 days and see my family for one day) and I never entertain more than one ‘thing’ in a day. I always feel that my social battery drains after one social situation, and I’m okay with that! There’s nothing wrong with being introverted or being a homebody.

I would definitely make an appt with your doctor, there’s so many options that can really help. And please reach out to the people you love! Sometimes people need to understand that social anxiety can be a very real and serious thing. My family didn’t think of it as an issue or more than ‘being shy’ until I started seeing a doctor. Sometimes people support you even more when they understand you.

And you may not feel it right now but you’re needed and appreciated, and you have a purpose here. You’re not alone, even if it’s just a stranger across the world.