The “breakdown” moments for me are when there are too many events, or too many long days followed by family occasions/obligations/crises (such as recently), which require never ending contact with other people, even well meaning strangers (such as nurses in a hospital). In my heart I feel these people are good and deserving of my time, energy (and even some small talk, how hard would it be?), but yet I feel totally trapped, restless, resentful, and completely drained. Interestly, I rarely feel this way with my son and husband.

I am somewhat shy in new situations, big presentations, but this isn’t really a problem and I’ve never lacked the confidence to do these things when necessary. The problem is how damaged I feel when I haven’t had sufficient time alone to regain my lost energy. It makes me feel badly, but I feel that the only way I can cope is to be extremely protective over my own time and to know the signs when I’ve had enough.

Something that has helped me immensely in the past year is to have a special and peaceful Shabbat every week. I am not a religious (Torah) Jew but I do reap huge benefits from consciously choosing 25 consecutive hours of serenity and soulfulness, and abstaining from the activities that are not conducive to this.

Someone I know found the book Dying of Embarrassment really helpful for social anxiety.

Hang in there!