Any suggestions for social anxiety? i don't have health insurance and i've been on a wait list for free mental health services since may 2012.

Social anxiety hard: Get the book, hope and help for your nerves for some tips from dr. Weekes. Those confident-appearing people you see? At least 50 percent are as scared as you are. Remember that! people usually grow out of shyness, another word for it. I used to be shy, no one would know it now. Just talk! don't worry about sounding like a fool and you have it licked!

Self help: Until you can get access to a mental health professional, you can help yourself by doing some simple things: first, remember that almost everyone has some social anxiety and you are not alone. Secondly, concentrate on your breathing: slow it down, inhale deeply, exhale slowly and feel your heart rate go down. Thirdly, exercise! it will produce natural endorphines and help you relax. Good luck!

Consider: Consider getting on another free clinic's wait list. Over a year is too long to be waiting. Call them back and complain. There are self help groups, which could be a resource. You would have to really push yourself to go despite your social anxiety, but it would be worth it. People at a self help group may know of other free clinics or other resources in your community. Good luck and let us know.