Hi, I am a 56 year old widow who has suffered from social anxiety disorder since I was a small child. This may make me a bit old for this forum but never mind. I was diagnosed in 2000 and had cognitive behavioural therapy. This has been very helpful. Although I still get anxious at times it is nowhere as near as bad. The other good thing is that I have "come out" to my grown up daughter and she is able to used the CBT techniques on me when I am spiralling out of control, thus nipping potential disasters in the bud.
I had to give up work in 1995 due to severe migraines and chronic fatigue so one of the reasons I have joined this site is to feel less isolated. It would be good to hear from fellow sufferers.