Hello-- I'm new here

[lucidangst]

I've had social anxiety/avoidance disorder for over 15 years-- since puberty.  I'm a 29 year-old college student who has suffered severely from this disease, and I'm just looking for people who have also had major problems because of their anxiety.  I'm really looking to find out why I am the way I am, and how I can fix it (if possible).  My life hasn't been great because of my disorder-- I haven't had a girlfriend in 8 years, and its taken me 7 years just to get through college (although I'm not quite done yet :).  In any case, I hope I can find some acceptance here-- I'm very sensitive to any social situation, even online.  But I am here to learn and help, and I hope I can do that.  Thanks!

[apple]

living through this is a challenge.  Maybe something in your past brought this on?

 I have generalized anxiety and the culprit is my childhood...I grew up with a Mom who has this and a sister with ADHD.  I grew up knowing only stress and learned how to live this way.  My journey is now taking me through all these horrible memories with a behavior therapist. Hopefully when I am done I will be anxiety free AND medication free.

If your looking around in here you will get some support and help, you may even help another...good luck to you

[lucidangst]

Honestly, I haven't had the best experiences in life, especially with people...  Not everyone by far, but I wouldn't doubt that these experiences (some of them very, very horrible) have contributed to how I am now.  I'm a lot better than I was, say, a couple years ago; but it still persists even when I do delve into my memories and try to rationalize those experiences (the other guy was an idiot, had his own problems, ect...)  My main problem is SAD and Avoidance disorder, but I have also been recently diagnosed with GAD as well.  Its rare that my hands aren't sweating, even home alone with no immediate worries.  In any case, thanxs for making me feel welcome!