@ littledora: "when I proposed the idea to my parents they thought I was making it up and that I was doing it to get out of school, chores or what not.Just as an excuse for skipping school."

I was in first grade when teachers noticed my hanging back from other kids, seeming fearful. My mother refused to come in for a meeting, saying, "Nothing's wrong with my daughter". She felt too threatened, afraid the spotlight might be turned on her. So, I never got the help. Anxiety has been a major problem ever since age 7. It's prevented lasting intimacy and career success. I applaud your efforts to explore the problem at this website and any other avenues on your own, if your parents will not or cannot for their own emotional reasons give validity to your experiences. You know what is true for you. There is help out there. Best wishes.

I also agree with others that it's not simply a matter of deciding to change and voila, success. It's damn hard. I've tried a lot. I do find that I have to watch my "self-talk", though. I can easily convince myself that things are much worse than they are, and whip myself up into a frenzy. This is a great thread. Thanks.