Brief Answer: Need further information... Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome to Healthcare Magic. Thanks for your query. I understand that you are going through a difficult time due to your anxiety-related problems. But it's a good thing that you decided to seek help. In order to understand your problem and help you better, please clarify the following issues: - How long have you been having this problem of social anxiety? - Is your anxiety specific only to certain situations - for example when around people or when in public places? - How do you feel during times when you are alone and away from social situations? - Do you fear that something bad would happen when you leave your room? If so, what are your fears? - Do you experience any panic attacks? - Are there any ongoing stressors in your life? - How would you describe your personality in general? - Do you abuse alcohol or any other street drugs? Please get back to me with these answers... Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist

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Brief Answer: Treatment includes medication & psychotherapy... Detailed Answer: Hello again and thanks for your clarifications. After going through the details that you have provided, my opinion is that you are suffering from an anxiety disorder, more specifically social anxiety. I understand that this must be quite difficult for you to cope with. However, the good news is that there is help available and many people have successfully been able to overcome this problem. Treatment is available in the form of medication and psychological therapies. There are medication such as SSRIs, benzodiazepines or beta blockers which can mitigate symptoms and provide relief. The choice of medication will depend on the severity and nature of your symptoms. Another important component in the treatment of social anxiety is psychological therapy. This is often used in combination with medication. But in some persons who prefer not to take medication it can be very effective by itself also. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective forms of psychological therapy. It is aimed at changing the negative and maladaptive thoughts that are responsible for causing anxiety, as well as changing the avoidance behaviour which is responsible for reinforcing the anxiety. Also, relaxation exercises and stress management techniques can also be useful in dealing with your symptoms. Very often, persons with social anxiety have low self esteem which could be one of the underlying causes for this disorder. So, self esteem and confidence-building counselling techniques can also be very beneficial. So, I would advise you to see a psychiatrist for further treatment. You can explain the things that I have discussed to your family members and try convincing them. If you are not able to see a psychiatrist, then there are self help books and self help techniques which you can practice on your own. There is also the option of online Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) which is offered on some websites. You can also practice simple relaxation techniques like deep breathing, yoga, meditation, etc. Try your best not to avoid social situations, but rather voluntarily expose yourself to such situations in a very gradual manner. Whenever you feel anxious, try practicing relaxation techniques to counter the anxiety. In this way, you will slowly be able to overcome your social anxiety and improve your self esteem and confidence. Wish you all the best. Regards, Dr. Jonas Sundarakumar Consultant Psychiatrist

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