Hi Eric!

I’m glad that you are feeling better.

Those are some great ideas for a conversation.

Any time you find yourself wishing that you talked to someone, could you try imagining having a conversation with them instead? The more detail the better… and please continue to write about it.

You are practising very good self care by going to the gym. I’m glad that you feel safe in the non-judgemental environment there and it is helping with your anxiety.

Exercise is a different skill to relaxing. Yoga, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation can all teach people to relax. I would encourage you to try one or all of them and see which you find helpful.

I think that it is important to note that as with people at the gym, you did reply to the girl. You have difficulties with social anxiety. Every time you speak with anyone is a win, not a mistake.Of course, the goal is to keep improving.

I’m going to disagree with you about hitting yourself. You don’t deserve it and hitting yourself is not going to help you learn. No one deserves to be hit. You deserve in moments of stress, to self-soothe. Perhaps, go to the gym where you feel safe? You deserve to feel safe.

I would encourage you to see a therapist. More than anything else, I believe that this will help you learn to manage your anxiety and develop your communication skills.