Hi solita1. Welcome to Psych Central (PC). I am sorry you are having social anxiety and possibly other issues. Part of that can be as a result of previous traumas. What kind of therapeutic options are you considering can affect how fast you get over this or cope with it better.

PC has helped me meet people that understand and accept me the way I am. Many people who are actively involved in Psych Central find it helps take them out of their own problems to develop empathy for others. And their problems though still there are more manageable.

There are lots of compassionate people here that can make the load lighter by sharing and caring. Feel free to participate actively at Psych Central. Some people find the forums give them the compassion and empathy they seek. http://forums.psychcentral.com

Please feel free to private message me or any of the Community Liaisons by left clicking on the name in blue to the left of their post) for questions or just to share.