I am fearful of social situations and avoiding people all together
This is preventing me from getting a job. I have bad relationship with my bipolar mother. I am living with her but it stresses me out so much to be around her that I have locked myself in my room. I have no friends or other family to help me. I have no money for therapy, but I think I need therapy before I can secure a job.
Anxiety
<p>Overwhelming fear, social anxiety and depression are especially painful because they make behaving constructively a challenge. &nbsp;But there are also lots of examples of folks who have successfully worked their way through this. &nbsp;So there is hope! &nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>In addition to the suggestion to visit your doctor (who may prescribe a medication to help you relax), there are many social service agencies who provide free counseling or take medicaid. &nbsp;A good CBT therapist will help you look at your thinking so that you may see how you are distorting your thoughts. &nbsp;</p><p>Behavior is also important. &nbsp;Despite how you may feel: it is helpful to go out, to do things that relax you (maybe a yoga class or a meditation class?). &nbsp;Exercise. Diet. Eat well. Think back on the things that you used to do that helped in the past, and force yourself to do these things again. &nbsp;I know that this seems hard, but it beats the alternative, doesn't it? &nbsp;</p><p>Of course, I recommend you pick up a copy of my book, Living Yes, which will help you look at these and other ideas to help you out. &nbsp;I hope you get unstuck soon! &nbsp;~Mark (www.MarkMorrisLCSW.com and www.LivingYes.org)</p>