Impaired by social phobia and feeling hopeless?

Maybe you think too highly of people. Don’t do that. They are just humans. Some might try to make you think they’re superior beings , but they aren’t. Some people are more successful than others..but these people aren’t usually the ones who try to make you think they’re better than you . It’s usually the people who know they don’t have much going for you that put down others to make themselves look better.(or so they think). Get out in a crowd and just walk among people who don’t know you. Try to talk casually to some of them…knowing you’ll never see them again and your future doesn’t depend on them. Maybe go to the library..and get to know people there.Then start with one other person..someone that you know. Try to develop a relationship with them…if they’ll let you. You’ll find out that there are a lot of other people out there who have the same fears as you. I used to be "painfully shy". I’m not now.(sometimes I think I was better off then) Get on YA sites where they talk to each other. Lots of the sections do this. I’m on the paranormal section and we talk back and forth…not "chatting" but talking about paranormal things. It’s so much easier to talk to people you can’t see.But at least that way you can develop conversation skills. Good Luck.

i feel for you
my sis is ocd and anxiety
she hates the treatment too
try meds again cuz they really do work (my sis doesn’t believe it but she is way different / more realxed when she is on them)
you will be ok i can’t help with a job but seriously try the meds again.

Join a support group.

I’m sure if you looked up the yellow pages in your area you will find several. These are usually free, so that is an added benefit.
I know this might be hard for you due to your social anxiety but you need to try.

Or try some online support groups to start out.
Here is some forums you could go to:

http://www.experienceproject.com/group_profile.php?g=16100

http://speech-anxiety.healthyplace2.com/favorite_links.htm

http://www.socialanxietysupport.com/

http://psychcentral.com/resources/Anxiety_and_Panic/Support_Groups/

or do a search for online support groups for social anxiety.

I do think you need to at least resume medication to help you cope with the fear of social situations.
Once you are controlling the situation partly with drugs you can try to find a job in the community. You need to face your fear in order to vanish it.

Most importantly you need to work on your self esteen issues and maladptive cognitions.

Good luck