Hi,I've been suffering anxiety and depression.

Hi,

Maybe you are just over thinking things a little and should try and go with the flow.

Richard

This isn't depression or general anxiety. It's social anxiety, you need different treatment mate

I think what you are describing is Social Anxiety. Go to your doctor (if you trust them, if not, find another doctor) and ask to be referred for treatment for Social Anxiety. This doesn't need to involve pills. If you can't go out then phone them up.

One point, everybody feels anxious in social situations. We are afraid that we will be judged. It's just that some people are better at hiding it than others (or drunk, or stoned).

I am so sorry to hear that you are having this difficulty. Have you considered talking this through with a therapist/counsellor? I am wondering if your self-esteem is very low too and you are fearful of being criticised? Talking this through can help you understand yourself more; maybe by exploring your past, childhood relationships and how they may link to your present problems and how you feel about yourself. Feeling anxious and depressed is often because we have some uncomfortable feelings and emotions which we wish to avoid, so we develop defences against these feelings as children so that we can cope with everyday life. As adults the defences work against us and we may feel that we cannot cope and different things in our everday life may start to trigger off these childhood feelings, so we start to feel anxious as we try ignore these feelings. Talking with someone in a safe, caring space can help you begin to make sense of whats troubling you and by recognising your feelings, you can begin to feel less depressed and anxious. I wonder if the thought of taking medication makes you feel unsafe and more anxious because of noticing the change of feelings in your body?