I think I have social anxiety. What can I do?

I am 21 and I have a problem being around new people. When I am in a situation where I have to meet new people I tense up and become very frightened. My neck becomes very stiff and when I got to turn my head it shakes, so I turn my whole body in the direction I am going to look. I just started a new job and my boss asked my why my neck was so stiff and I told her I slept on it wrong. I go to college and I find myself locked in my room trying to avoid contact with others. Many people have asked me to hang out, but I usually end up canceling because I can't bring myself to leave my room and be in a group of people. I do have a girlfriend, and she is very outgoing, but she can never understand why I don't want to go out with her and meet her friends. I think that I need help because my state if living is starting to make me depressed, and hurt the few remaining relationships I have. Is there a medication or something that can help me?

i used to be the exact same way and i realized it was holding me back from getting everything i wanted out of life. i started taking effexor xr, which can be used to treat social anxiety, and it has worked wonders. i feel like a new person. there are also a couple other antidepressants that are approved to treat social anxiety. i have also been going to counseling which has helped too. talk to your doctor about the medicine and i would consider talking to a counselor as well. it may take some time and effort, but you can overcome it!

you have to love yourself . . . don't be afraid of what people think of you especially people who don't even know you . . . when your in public just relax . . . some people might want to get to know you . . . what are you depressed about? i'm sure your family and your girlfriend care a lot about you . . . just be yourself when your around people

try to talk to a psychiatrist.. !! Or therapy!! this is such a anxiety and may lead to depression- a worst psychological disorder..!!

why not pretend to be an outgoing person? whos gonna know your faking it? after awhile you will wonder why you made a big thing over it. only you will know you used to be shy.

Many people suffer from this so don't feel that you are alone. Go see a therapist before you start any meds. Good luck!!

i'm sorry.
yeah there's meds. (ex- ativan...)
good luck 2 U!!

I was gonna say I notice a couple of people giving you advice on here like you are almost choosing to be this way and I know it's probably out of your control. I freak out sometimes if I am in like a resturant, mall, any crowded place... and I don't know why. People get frustrated with me sometimes like I shoud just stop it or something.
All I am saying is there are others who have similar problems and it's not something you have to live with.