Social anxiety - advice please

[Findingahappyplace]

My social anxiety has been so bad recently and I’m looking for some advice.
For example, today I had to take my son to playgroup. The walk down There were lots of people out with dogs today. Everyone seemed to want to talk today and it makes me so anxious - I’m no good at small talk and I get so uncomfortable when people stop me to chat because I don’t know what to say.
I also feel awkward over little things like stopping at traffic lights as I feel like everyone is looking at me. Walking to playgroup today I felt like everyone who was walking past was looking at me. I felt so awkward.
I also feel awkward with some of my friends, and often find myself not knowing what to say or I start saying stupid things because I get panicked and start rambling. Or sometimes I will say things and they come out wrong, and say things I don’t really mean just because I’m nervous 😟
Does anyone else out there ever feel like this or can anyone else relate to any of this?
Does anyone have any advice or words of wisdom to help tackle the negative thoughts I have that make me feel anxious EG “everyone’s looking at me”.
I have been to the doctors but so far have not found any medications that agree with me 😞
Any advice appreciated.
Thank you x

I meant to add, I’m always thinking negatively about everything, so when I think everyone’s staring at me, I think they are looking at me and thinking I’m a weirdo, or I think they can see how anxious I am - almost like I have a sign on my head saying “I have anxiety! Look at me!”.
Again, any advice would be really appreciated!

If you can try and see a psychotherapist.
I've suffered from social anxiety for decades.
I believe it starts when we are babies when we don't get our physical and/or emotional needs met because our parents are inadequate caregivers who quite often are themselves suffering from anxiety.