Self-help books may be great for some people, but I am with you - I find them useless, but that does NOT mean that books cannot be very therapeutic. I hear you saying you feel you need help to become more engaged in life - I am a depressed introvert and my adult son is on the spectrum so I understand the crazy paralysis of social anxiety. You do like to write and you are very good at it. My son used to seek out writing groups where he would go every week or month to share, or not, his work with others. He felt comfortable and participated as little or as much as he felt comfortable with in the moment, and it gave him a great sense of independence from me. Please just know that you are so far from alone, and your sensitivity is a gift - a painful one that at times you would gladly return - it's incredibly difficult to "break out" - but there is also no need to pressure yourself into a pace or manner that does not feel good to you. Many Hugs, hang in there, keep writing.