In my job I have long been allowed to isolate (I work from home) but now am expected to travel to other states and establish relationships with policymakers like state legislators and agency heads. I am so totally unsuited for this kind of work. I am just not a talker. I have always been shy and it is a source of intense shame and anguish for me. I feel like everyone can see I have next to no people skills. When I am around people for long periods I start to shut down. Although I am silent on the outside, inside a voice is screaming that I'm worthless and defective. Which only makes the problem worse. And I am worried that I will fall into a depression.

I can't change my personality, but if I could just relax and be easier on myself, it would help a lot. It is very hard to relate to people when I am filled with inner turmoil.

Can anyone relate?