Social phobia and social anxiety.. are they different?
It sounds to me like you’re suffering from quite severe social anxiety. I would suggest that you book an appointment with your GP, explain your difficulties and ask to be referred to a psychiatrist. From what you’ve written, it’s likely that you’ll then be referred to a clinical psychologist, whilst the psychiatrist will most likely advise you to take an SSRI antidepressant, such as escitalopram, which will be issued by your GP. These medications will not “cure” you, but can ameliorate the worst of your symptoms.
There is a difference, you can have social anxiety but still not have it to the extent that it is a social phobia. It only becomes a phobia when it is severe. This may surprise you but most people have a degree of social anxiety at certain times, for example when in new places or when meeting new people. It’s just not to the extent that you have it. It sounds to me that the problem was actually there before you were 6. You were probably picked on because others singled you out as the weakest and possibly the most anxious, which made you an easy target. You need to work with a professional to get help and support on this and the first step is your GP. Another thought….strange as it might seem….have you thought about getting a dog (preferably something like a labrador) which would make you go out and support you whilst out? You might find that the dog would help you just as much as a psychologist.
