Social phobia., How do you get over it? Options

[georgeWIRELESS]

( Excuse me, I'm not sure if this belongs here, so if it needs moved, I'm sorry O.< )

I've been shy, all my life. I've never had more than a few friends, I've never been able to speak up to anyone, I've never been able to ask for help because I was afraid.

I failed a grade once because I was afraid to go to school. I don't know why I was afraid.

I don't have much time left before I'm going to have to start making it on my own, only a couple years, which isn't that much.

How can I prepare for the real world when I'm afraid of it?

If I've been this way all my life, will the future be any different?

My parental units say homeschooling is a bad idea, but I don't think it's any worse than public school. I'd get about as much social interaction in homeschooling, with none of the anxiety. >_____>

The more I'm forced to socialize, the more fearful and withdrawn I become.

Everyone thinks pushing me into social situations is the answer, but it's only made it worse.

Have you ever had social phobia? Do you still? If you don't, what changed?

[topsyturvy]

Yes, i'd have to say i'm mildly socialphobic. I'm always nervous to meet new people and fretting over what others thing of me, etc etc.

I have to say we're all born with it (this fear, that is), some people with more and some people with less.

Although the more you're forced to socialize the more fearful you become, the fact is that it's the only way to over come your fear.

Start with the mall. Try to act as though you don't care how many people are looking or if they're even looking at you or not. Pretend to be totally calm. If you can act it, over time you'll be it.

Good luck