Help with social anxiety

[Blendabrethin]

Could I ask for any good, practical tips or quick fix's for social anxiety (entirely self diagnosed) please?

My main issues seem to be talking to people (I panic and my mind goes blank, I try and get away as quickly as possible), especially talking about myself/ my likes and interests etc and lettung people into my space (though tjat's probably because my house is legit filthy).

I've always been super shy but coped in structures situations where I know what is expected of me e.g work, school, fitness classes etc. For a year or so after my eldest started school I worked hard to get out of my comfort zone so that my lack of social skills wouldn't affect my child -I was speaking to other mums at the school gates, going to the park etc and things were improving! Lockdown has been a huge setback - the lack of forced, regular contact has made me really nervous about speaking to anyone! I avoid everything. I have no friends, my children don't have play dates and the school gates are terrifying. Ot doesn't help tjat I have gained a LOT of weight recently and I look like shit 90% of the time.

Wtf can I do? I need to fix this!

dandamn, ignore the typos if u can, my fingers have been really stiff recently.

Maybe start with some things to give you more confidence. It’s concerning if yout house is filthy and children live there. Can you start a room at a time, can you afford help?

Also if yout weight is making you self conscious then are you able to try to move to a more healthy eating regime?

If you start to loose weight and your home is clean and hygienic would you feel more confident?

We have been trying to sort the house for years but it always goes wrong. We will be half way through a sort out and one of us will get ill or something! It is very frustrating. Maybe I will just meet people outdoor always?

The weight thing is proving to be very difficult at the moment too as I have subclinical hypothyroidism. I also struglle to diet without going too far. I had an eating dosorder in my teens and early 20's and temd to fall back into old habits if I start tracking calories etc. Though I did feel much more confident when I was slimmer.

I am really similar to you with social anxiety, I'm struggling a lot at the moment. I've put 4 stone on and feel really self conscious which doesn't help. The school gate is hell, when I do manage to make conversation with someone I always seem to say something stupid then I play that back in my mind forever.

I am trying to take small steps in making myself feel better about my appearance so I don't feel such a mess, so far that is moisturiser every morning, a bit of mascara, nice lip balm and perfume on before I leave the house, I'm in desperate need of a haircut but the thought of that gives me anxiety too but I know I'll feel better when I've been.

I am also trying to smile, say hi and make eye contact with other parents at the school gate with the hope if I can manage any conversations I'll feel a bit better.

Sorry my advice isn't very helpful, just wanted you to know you're not alone and that hopefully a few small steps may help.