For a long time I lived with anxiety and panic attacks. For one whole year I only left my bedroom for showers and going to the doctor. What eventually helped me very much was having a few friends who were willing to listen to my irrational and emotional problems without complaining or judging me. Over a period of time, they slowly brought me out of my shell. I still have some anxiety, and sometimes take meds for it, but I can go to the mall and stroll through the crowds without any anxiety if I want to. I can introduce myself to perfect strangers without a second thought, and carry on a conversation with them.

Celestical, besides the chat rooms offered here on the site, I often chat with my friends on Yahoo chat. It's easy and it's private, and I've made a few friends who helped me through some pretty unpleasant problems.