Does anyone else feel socially retarded?

[rarmst]

I don't know what is wrong with me. I find it really difficult to interact with people (everyone)...even my closest friends. I don't know why I am like this but I have always been. The only person I am truly myself with is my husband. In any other situation I become self conscious and can't make simple conversation. Sometimes I even get really sweaty all of a sudden and go red in the face when I talk to certain people. I also avoid a lot of social gatherings because I am not comfortable and sometimes even going to the shops is hard. I have tried so hard to not be like this but I think it is just how I am...I hate it. I have no social life, and can't even relax around my own friends and family. I also think this makes me an unlikeable person because people find they can't talk to me because of the way I am. Has anyone ever felt like this or know what I can do to change?
I also get depressed a lot.

[ILADVOCATE]

Social isolation can be a part of depression and anxiety disorder. I experienced it before my current recovery. If medication is adjusted and it is still happenning it would make sense to discuss it with a talk therapist. As well what I would do is if I felt too depressed go out is just try to do so anyway and I usually felt better but I know that's not always possible. It can be a difficult issue to cope with.

[Jaquta]

I would speak to a psychiatrist about your concerns.
Your issues could stem from an anxiety disorder (social anxiety) or maybe even a personality disorder.
Anybody would feel depressed in those circumstances.
I would get an evaluation and treatment.  With the right help and support you'll be able to work through this.