How bad can social anxiety disorder get?

[noodles]

Hi there,

It can get bad enough to make you become agoraphobic! I suffer from social phobias and in the past, they got so out of hand that I could no longer go outside or entertain guests in my home. Other than my husband and 3 young children at the time, I just could not bring myself to see or speak to anyone else - extended family included.

Like most phobia's, there is no rational explanation for it. However, the anxiety levels rise and panic sets in and so we avoid sistuations that trigger these attacks. Now I manage to go out but I still need my husband or son (now an adult in his 20's) to come with me. I manage to talk to people like you online, as you cannot judge me on what I look like, nor can you stare at me, nor can you laugh at me if I have a panic attack over something else.

Like your friend, I too am sad about the stuff I have missed out on over the years, college courses I have abandoned, days out cancelled, visits to/from family cancelled etc. I now push myself to do that little bit more each day to keep my social phobia under control ie visit a corner shop where I have to speak to the shop owner, visist a supermarket where there is loads of people, walk through a market, be out in the open spacces etc. These things I can only do with those that I trust. I can manage to answe the telephone now - so at least I dont miss as many calls any more.

Let your friend know that you will not laugh at her, make fun of her nor force her to do anything she isnt ready to do - believe me when I say email and online chat can be difficult enough sometimes.

I hope this enlightens you a little, you sound like a brilliant friend - she is lucky to have someone like you around. Good luck for the future of your friendship :-)