I use to get some real bad panic attacks due to anxiety. Christ they would just come on if i was just a tiny bit uncomfortable, then boom, i couldn't even control my head or keep eye contact with people. I use to be a right confident cocky sucker when i was younger, then i started smoking weed. The confidence was out the window like a jewel thief leaving me a shell of my former self. Whatever you do dont smoke weed! this will make the problem ten times worse!
Not sure what age you are, but as you get older it gets better, mine started at 19/20 i'm now 35 and pretty much they are a thing of the past. Do you have a job? if not get one, even part time. Whilst suffering anxiety the worst thing you can do is shy away from the world, this will only make it worse. Purely for the fact it may seem easier to avoid social situations like working, however if you lock yourself away in no time at all it seems easier to do nothing and the situation will end up worse. You need to converse with strangers regulary this will help build confidence and will help you adjust to social situations, dont make yourself the centre of conversation, just hang back with the crowd and make yourself fit in.
Dont take medication if you can help it, the drugs will only mask the situation at hand. You dont want the the drugs to become a crutch, even worse become addicted to them. People may even notice a change in your personality whilst on them, you may feel fine but to others you may appear drowsy, slow and look like your on something.
If your feeling to bad and have a shitty situation ahead, interview, social event etc.... have a small drink to take the edge of the paranoia, make sure it's a small one. You have probably already noticed that when you drink alcohol your anxietys go out the window.
If you haven't told your friends yet and your hiding behind a wall of fake bravado, tell them, i imagine you will be suprised how helpful they can be, also if they know the situation and see you in certain situations where you are feeling awkward, a true friend will try and turn the conversation round to themselves, thereby taking the heat off of you. You may also be suprised how many of your friends also suffer from this and have been feeling awkward and dying to tell someone themselves. A problem shared really is a problem halfed when you feel like this.
What are you built like? people who are naturally thin tend to suffer like this more than most, some where bullied at school, couldn't get the girls, eroding thier confidence even further. Hit the gym, well in your situation get some free weights for the house, eat well, high protein diet, hit the weights three times a week, using compound exercises, bench, squat etc....
Monday, chest arms
wednesday, back shoulders
friday, legs, traps.
Get a punch bag, read up on some boxing basics, hit the bag hard twice a week, remember to eat well for the extra exercise, dont let it cut into your weight training. You will be supriised at how transforming your physical appearance, will help your confidence soar.
Need anymore advice dont be afraid to ask, i put up with this shit for years, all the best! chin up, chest out, walk tall.
