[bkholdem]

Sounds kind of like a social phobia, do you think this might be true?

I would recommend talking to your PCP about it and see if a referral to a psychiatrist is indicated. An antidepressant (some help with social anxiety) or anti anxiety medication may help.

I think that it would also be useful to talk with a therapist, try to see a psychologist rather than a social worker and engage in some talk therapy.

Longer term treatment wise a referral to a group therapy group may assist you a great deal (some groups are very high functioning, with physicians, lawyers, etc as participants). Most will take you on a sliding scale and insurance may pay as well.

So get assessed and treated medically to begin with. If you do that, in 3-6 months you will be in a much better postion to decide how you can work on this outside the realm of professional assistance (join a club, whatever).