terrified! why did I agree?

[Faerieinatoadstool]

Have GAD, social anxiety and depression and have just agreed to go on the playgroup xmas meal out. I'm terrified and dying to back out but if I manage to do this I will be so proud and know my cbt has paid off.
I just want to have friends and feel normal again but I don't feel like I know how.
Advice, support or your own stories would be greatly appreciated

Can only do the support part. Hope you can do it. Go for it. Is it in december? Dont answer when if you dont want to.

It's beginning of Dec. It's part of me working up my ladder in exposure therapy but right now I can barely do a short 1:1 exchange so group conversation will be a massive challenge.
I feel like I don't understand how it works and what to say and when and if anyone will even want to speak to me

Have you found any conversation books helpful? I used to have a good one somewhere but seem to have mislaid it, helpful I know! Cant remember what it was called either. I keep looking out for it. It had recommendations of things to say in situations.

Would it help to envisage the venue you are going to? And such as where you will sit, eg on the end of a table? That might be better? Unless it was the head of it.

Though I do find at these sorts of dos, that it all gets to be a bit of a lottery how the seating ends up.

Is there someone you can buddy up with, and plan and try to stick together a bit?

Am also thinking that if you posted this in chat, you would get a lot more helpful replies than just little ol me!

Have you read any of Dr Claire weekes books? She's amazing and brilliant on GAD and social anxiety. If y type into google dr claire weekes free download there a link from a page called anxiety/zone which takes you to a page with 4 free audio clips. There's a great one on a school function which she talks through anxious feelings.

I've also agreed to the Xmas school mums meal and wonder why the hell I did, so you're not alone!!

I haven't about these books until today but will definitely have a look. Anything to help me feel a bit more prepared.