Other Social phobia etc.

[scott_1971_h]

I have a colossal social phobia. 0 social skills, etc. I had PTSD while everyone else had a social life.
Sometimes I wonder if I'm autistic. It's that bad. I dread answering the door, and not because the knocking sends me through the roof (sometimes it does). I just have no idea what to say.
I HATE the phone. That always scares the life out of me when it rings. And since I don't have any friends, sometimes I wonder why I bother answering it.
Does anyone else here suffer social phobia, and if you did anything about it, what did you do and was it any good?
Thanks,
Scott

 

[Mr. Smith]

I do / did, I am getting better at randomly going up to people and saying hi and making small talk (I am not a fan of small talk, feels like a time killer). Someone told me this and it REALLY made sence to me, like someone turning on the light, "Your only holding yourself back by being shy." Ever sence then I forced myself to get out more and try to say hi to atleast one stranger a day (in person / real life). Believe me it wont kill you and the feeling that you will feel when you will be able talk to anyone is great. Just say to yourself, "Whats the worse thing that could happen?" Also I see a dog in your picture, why don't you take your dog to the beach or park, they are a great conversation starter.

 

[Crl1983]

Yep, I also dread answering the door and talking on the phone. I get so nervous about talking to anyone, even people in my family.

 

[Sethe]

I spent the majority of my childhood being afraid of other kids at school. I had panic attacks during class (somehow managed to get excused to go the bathroom so I could breathe). I felt alienated, alone and different (still do).

I think I've taught myself the basics of social interaction. I still have moments when I feel awkward, incomplete, ineffective, etc. but, I have come a long way.

 

[Kintsugi]

I seem to go through phases with this. I go through bursts of my life, months and sometimes a full year, where I am VERY socially active, never home, constantly answering my phone, going out, meeting new people, etc. And then I have equally long or longer periods of time of extreme social fears, anxieties, don't want to get out of bed, scared to use a phone, scared of cashiers, etc. I do not understand it.

 

[anthony]

Moved, this is not about complex trauma.