AhmadHopeful Member Profile

...See more This is the biggest problem in my life… the one that has stopped me and left me stuck, unable to move forward in anything. I have severe social phobia and intense anxiety in general. It developed over time, and my subconscious mind kind of reinforced it, until it became my normal state most of the time. I’m constantly anxious and tense, and of course this has also affected my self-confidence. This developed a stuttering condition. Sometimes it gets so bad that I start stuttering when I speak and even have mild panic attacks in intense situations. The severity depends on the situation—for example, when I’m talking to someone I don’t know, an important person, a woman, someone older than me, or in a work meeting or any situation where a group of people is listening. But I’m completely normal when I’m talking to myself or speaking with someone very close to me. I basically fall apart in these situations. And of course this has affected every aspect of my life. At work: it has affected me a lot. I can’t really move forward or prove myself because I always avoid anything that involves speaking or dealing with people, while on the opposite side everyone is trying to show how good they are. In personal relationships: I’ve become very introverted and isolated. My life has been stuck for years. I’ve tried everything—doctors, therapists, everything, honestly—but nothing has helped. Now I feel like the only solution is to rely on myself: try gradual exposure, talk to people I don’t know online, then maybe join groups—like on Clubhouse or something similar. But so far I haven’t been able to find anything or figure out how to do it. What would you suggest I do? Please, anything other than doctors or therapists, because I’ve already tried that and I’m exhausted. Where can I find people I can practice with, gain courage, and face this fear? Can anyone volunteer to help me practice facing my fears? English speakers are welcome but of course Arabic (my mother tongue) is preferable. My life has been on hold… not to mention the psychological pain I go through in almost every situation, every day. From someone who really hates asking others for help… I am sorry to say it, but I do need your help.

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