Hello. Going through a rough period of my life.

[fizzgig]

8. we all move at our own speed

and the common result of comparing ourselves to others is to feel badly about ourselves. we are our own harshest critics.

i was shy when i was younger and have always imposed expectations of perfection upon myself. then i turned 30 last year and realized i don't give a shit what most anyone thinks of me. i'm still battling my own self-esteem issues, but i have made more headway in the last couple years than the entirety of my life up to that point.

it seems like you're facing the situation head-on and that you are already aware of what you're facing, which is a positive place to start. getting a new psych also seems to be a good idea, a doctor does us no good if we're not comfortable with them. the group sessions may help you a bit with socialization/social anxiety, but have you thought about joining a hobby group or something? i understand social anxiety and am perfectly happy staying home, but 'rescue' meds can help with the anxiety, ativan has been a godssend for me. the med roulette can be a nightmare, i know.

i've been looking at the last sentence of your post for sometime and, if i may ask, what are you afraid of?

good luck to you and keep us posted.