Re: Social anxiety rather than agoraphobia?
I agree that it's a bit of a big step to take, feeling like you do. But you have to bear in mind - although it's very difficult, I accept - that the others there are in the same boat as you. They'll also be feeling like you - although we always get the impression that we're worse than others. Sometimes this "exposure"-type therapy can work. For others the pressure is too much and they need a gentler approach. Unfortunately, these experiences can sometimes batter your confidence further and you shouldn't allow this to happen. Everyone deals with the same things but in different ways.
I would look into perhaps doing some voluntary work. You can work at your own pace and you'll slowly begin to interact with people again, which can help prepare you for paid work.
All this boils down to confidence. Many outwardly confident people are insecure inwardly, but we don't ever notice. It's the facade that we see. So don't be hard on yourself - confidence is something that you have to nurture for it to grow - it doesn't happen overnight. Paul McKenna has some excellent CDs and books re confidence-building, and I would highly recommend getting them.
__________________
KK
Never Surrender, Comrade