One very effective method of controlling anxiety is CBT - cognitive behavioural therapy. Your doctor should be able to help you find a psychologist or therapist who is versed in this type of treatment. A friend of mine undertook this therapy and because she was so ready to "rid herself of her fears/anxieties", she made great strides in a very short period of time.
I agree wiyh jdtm about C.B.T, but also I suffer social anxiety among other anxieties,
I beg you go for it, dont let your anxiety control you, you try and control it or it as won, I know this aprouch is one of the hardest but sometimes it works, but go for it and I think you will be surprised, just remember we that suffer this awlful anxiety have to fight the hardest. go for it and good luck,
Janis.
I have been to a therapist and dealt with this issue in the past. It was what got me to the point of handling the simpler situations, like family outings, a chat with the neighbors. It didn't help beyond that, the relaxation techniques, deep breathing, pressure points, counting to three and jumping in. Also, at that time I was also on a low dose of Zoloft which works wonders for me. I can't take it now.
I am in therapy again and our first goal is for me to get outside of myself and work towards getting into social situations. She thinks it isn't a coincidence that this opportunity made itself, kind of destiny in a way. But I have just started with this therapist. I was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions that I don't already use or have tried.