I'm glad you were able to come here and post. PsychCentral is the perfect place to dispel myths about ourselves. Posting here will bring you positive feedback and support. It will help you to build your confidence so that you can use it in the real world.

On PC there are no bad posts and if you are feeling negative there is always someone to help boost you up.

I understand the catch-22 as I have anxiety that makes me want to stay home. It keeps me from going out even when going out would do me good, but when I go out I get anxious and just want to get back home. It's a hard cycle to break.

A friend of mine recently talked me into signing up for a class. It's only one night a month, but I'm already stressing out about going. I wish I had said no, but I know that it will be good for me and since I committed to going I will force myself to go, but it won't be easy. So I understand.

Just keep posting and as you get to know people you will start to feel better and part of the community.