I have suffered with the same social anxiety...although I get by in normal social situations but panic when I have to public speak or perform in front of someone for a grade. It's beyond just getting nervous....but more like a full blown panic attack-so embarrassing! The social anxiety peaked in high school and I missed so many days that I wasn't able to graduate. However, I did end up going back to school at 34 years old and receiving a Bachelors Degree with honors. I'm not going to say it was easy and I didn't want to quit sometimes---but if I could do it any one can! Also, I suffer from hypochondria. I'm currently home with a stomach virus and I;m having alot of anxiety since I went to the doctor a few days ago and they took my blood. Everything was normal except my white blood cell count which was low...the doctor said that is normal if you are fighting a virus and are sick...but I;m soooo scared I have cancer or something. Even though I know I have been previously healthy and active and I'm never sick and I am improving...I don't know if my anxiety/panic symptoms are interfering with me getting better. Help!!!