The Real Me
By S. Coughlin

I suffered from social anxiety for approximately 30 years. For the last two years, I have been taking a prescribed medication to deal with this and my life has certainly changed for the better. Instead of a "glass half-empty" view and a reluctance to be outgoing with relationships and in my work, things have turned for the better and my outlook has changed. I feel like the real me and can't stress enough what a relief I feel that I now can begin living my life.

In high school, I used to avoid people and activities altogether and even arranged my classes so I would have to be around a crowd of people getting out of class at the same time and going home. I mumbled frequently, too afraid to confidently give my viewpoints. I even had a hard time ordering food at restaurants for some unknown fear that I was being judged. I was easily intimidated, though I never showed it on the outside, and would avoid eye contact because it made me uncomfortable. Most people thought I I was just shy. But shy people don't get paranoid or have the intense feelings of being judged.

Today, I frequently give seminars in front of groups of 40 or more people and although I have been nervous at times, it has never manifested itself into outright panic or avoidance. I also now have a place by the Pacific Ocean, help run a profitable firm in Southern California, and have built many valuable, long-lasting relationships.

I hope people who have a similar condition to mine will find my story valuable. One doesn't need to wake up each morning wondering how and when things will go wrong. Instead, with treatment, one can begin waking up wondering what opportunities are out there for me, who am I going to meet today and how can I maximize this day to the best of my ability?

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