Can't hang on any longer

I am so confused.Can't go on like this.Where did the real me go?So afraid if I ask for help or try to make a friend; they will turn away when I tell of problems.I tried to get help.almost gone

Hi almostgone: For years I was depressed and had social anxiety disorder (in fact I still do but it's getting better). I did a good job of blending in with others for a long time but then there came a point where I started to withdraw from my friends. If I was asked out I would make some excuse not to go so then eventually I wasn't asked to go anywhere (fine with me). I knew I was in trouble when I started to withdraw from my family. I was making myself very isolated and I knew that I couldn't go on living like that. I finally went for help in Sept. 2004 and you know I almost didn't go to that doctor's appointment! I'm on Effexor and Wellbrutin and feeling a lot better. Please make that giant step and ask for help. You will be so much better if you do and you won't have wasted so many years as I have. Please make an appointment to see a doctor. Peace.

Hi Akram: I'm still not all that comfortable in social situations but I'm improving. The ironic thing was that when I was younger I never wanted to stay home. But I think the social anxiety sneaked up on me over the years although I was always very shy and quiet with strangers and acquaintances. Thanks for your advise. You're right - it is so easy to daydream and not focus on what other people are saying.
Peace.

Hi,

Although you feel like a freak, I have found that people really are very understanding, if you can bring yourself to tell them.  I suffered for years, and was sure there was no real underlying problem. After recovering with Effexor (whole new set of problems there) I began to see things differently.  I read a line in a book which said "depression is rage denied". Whoa, I felt like a hammer dropped, and a light went on at the same time! I try hard now to keep control of the influences other people have on me (as I internalize anger). It's exhausting, but worth the effort. Find your "button" and try to keep people from being able to push it!

Hi almost gone, I hope you'll take a chance and get to know some of the people on this site. Because alot of people have been throiugh alot of experiences and can maybe relate to you and beside you just never know how your story may help someone else. Please don't give up. I have had a very hard life. I to have a story and been through so much. i currentky have crohns disease and that has been awful but I keep donnected to the boards and talk to people and feel alot better just venting or getting things off my chest. I would be interested in hearing your story If there is any way I can help I'd be glad to. I am a great listener. I may now be able to solve your problems but sometimes just getting things off your chest can help a great deal. We have all be thriugh something. so more than others, but many can relate to alot of peoples problems. you can e-mail me direstly if you'd like at donna_marquart2000@yahoo.com. I will reply. I am a 43 year ld mom and wife, I have two kids a 24 yo daughter and 25 yo son and I have three grandkids. I have a wonderful husband, a a good life now other than the daily grind of being so sick with crohns disease. Have been told that I may die if things don't start to turn around with this disease. I've been very sick for 11 months and have not eaten any solid food for 11 months, being fed through IV tube. I'd like to help you if I can. So if you want to talk please feel free to e-mail me. As I said I am a grear listener. Hope today is much better for you. each day you make through nis a great accomplishment. so keep hanging in there. Donna