It is 9 years after my husband's death. I still am afraid of relationships or even talking with a man. I allowed myself to be conditioned by my mother to believe I was just plain unworthy, I rejected worthy men that I dated and I married someone who was willing to continue damaging me. I don't know how to start overcoming this anxiety and fear. I feel like if I talk with someone they will see me as unworthy. by the way, I earned a MA. I worked as "Head of depts" so it seems to be too much down time or too much thinking about myself and the absolute fear of personal relationships. How have you overcome this fear? Do therapists really help?.