social anxiety

[friendly45]

How do I overcome sadness at not being able to fit in, The only place I am really happy is with my husband and children,  I only feel secure going out if one of them is with me.  People in local community think I'm weird when I'm really just shy. I have also overheard people saying I fancy everybody, which is so mean and untrue.  I simply get flustered talking to anybody outside my family because of the social anxiety.  Help, anybody?

[friendly45]

Thank you Kalie.  Sorry it took me so long to reply. What I have found has given me great happiness lately is getting a new puppy. I don't know if you are an animal lover, but I have found looking after him has increased my confidence, and he brings such joy.  I also take comfort from the fact that my children are doing well at school, and they, unlike me, seem to make friends easily.  You do not mention if you have children.  When I am feeling bad I try to count the many positives in my life.

[kalie1979]

If you find the answer to this question, let me know. Iam the exact same way. People seem to think i am stuck-up, or a b tch. My husband is the only one that gets me. One thing I have learned, when i do talk to people, i try to talk enough to bring up my shyness and it seems after that they know im not stuck-up and they reach out more. I dont take it anymore but when i was on lexapro, i was more confident with who i was and was able to talk more to people. You will probley get better answers than this, but good luck and remember if you get any tips let me know.

kalie :-)