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The more I'm forced to socialize, the more fearful and withdrawn I become.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

[hi-C]

I have more of a fear of confrontation but it's somewhat related. It's really one of those things that you have to take one step at a time.

One thing that made me have to get over it was getting a summer job in a public place, one that forces you to talk to people. I worked at an amusement park, but there's always a job at the local mall or restaurant or what have you. And in addition to helping you get over your fear, you get paid while doing it, which is definitely not a bad thing.

Oooh, if your school offers a course on public speaking, or maybe there's a debate team or a practice law group you could join. Becoming active in the drama club can also help.