Working through anxiety?

[Jenriner2]

Are there any "mental" exercises I can do to re-train my brain? Or methods to reduce anxiety?? I find that yes, I could take pills, but I really want to work thru this. I just have fears and anxiety about people. I've come a long way, I used to be really shy but still struggle, I get easily embarrassed and feel like everyone is looking at me or judging me. I have no friends and wish I did. It's very hard for me to open up. Many people in my life have said I have no backbone and lack confidence.
Thanks in advance for any help/advice!

[Paxiled]

And take heed of RubyWitch's injunction to see a therapist who specializes in anxiety.  This may very well mean one who doesn't take insurance, but a therapist who doesn't specialize in insecurity and anxiety won't know how to teach you coping mechanisms.  I'm not sure if you have "social anxiety," as I'm a bit down on labels, but you're definitely insecure about something.  Good luck.

[RubyWitch]

You have all the classic symptoms of social anxiety, so I feel pretty confident that's what you're dealing with. At 32 you have a rich background of experience dealing with this and the maturity to face it head on.
Get a few names from your doctor or a hospitals physician's referral service and meet with several therapists until you find the one you click with and begin learning to really enjoy being social.
I wish you the very best life has to offer. I think you've missed out on too much, so take the leap!
Warmly,
RubyWitch

[Jenriner2]

I'm 32, probably didn't know I had it but as I got older I became more and more aware

[RubyWitch]

I am not a therapist and have no qualifications to diagnose you, but it sounds to me like you have social anxiety. I wish I knew how old you were as it would perhaps change some of my advice.  

There ARE self-help books out there, but I don't really put much stock in them. I would rather urge you to see a therapist trained in anxiety issues to help you overcome this, which you definitely CAN. A therapist can give you a great many tips on how to cope with your feelings and learn how to be confident.........to grow the "backbone" your friends claim you don't have, but which you do!

I don't think you would have written to us if you didn't want to change.......and that's all it takes! If you have the desire and the motivation to change, then reach out for the help you need. You'll be a much happier person with a lot of friends! I promise. I was shy, too. It hurt.
I wish you the very best
RubyWitch