I've had a nagging cough for weeks now. I've seen the doctor and it has only since gotten even worse. I feel 100% but I just can't stop coughing.

And how does this have anything to do with my mental health? A great deal actually.

I am completely humiliated by it. It is triggered primarily by talking so I have avoided doing anything where this might take place. I am extremely self-conscious. I have a constant running commentary in my head about how I draw attention to myself for having faults with everything. Naturally I am incredibly conscious then that I might make people uncomfortable, laugh at me, or even be angry. This dang cough has caused this so much so that it has ruined the last several weeks of my life - all because I am afraid of what people might think of me.

I am embarrassed to speak on the phone. This means I can't speak with my boyfriend and others. I can't go out without feeling that all eyes are upon me. I am moving in a week and am turning down offer after offer to meet friends before I do so. I am even turning down lunch with my son.

I should be able to say, "The heck what others think." But this is not in my nature. If only I had the where with all to do so. All that I can think of is that I will be the subject of scorn and ridicule.