Im an extrovert with social anxiety (ENTP).
I have those same feels but when Im alone for too long i feel kind of depressed and drained.
But people make me nervous sometimes so id rather be alone to center myself.
And i AM okay with being alone, im also reflective and im not super overbearing and chatty which is the false definition of being extroverted in my opinion.
I probably seem like an introvert to some (most?!) very extroverted extroverts lol

Really, the thing that defines E and I is the recharging whether alone in a not overwhelmingly stimulating environment or with people/external stimulation.
Other people seem to have other ideas about introversion (and also have a weird superiority complex about it im noticing?) which sucks because its spreading uninformed opinions.
If i went by all of these other definitions people are making up id find id choose "introvert" as well,
But that's only because the N and T part of the equation for me end up sounding like that :P

anyway, im not a strong extrovert, kind of on the cusp myself, but according to the official definition and because of the way i recharge i do regard myself an extrovert (even though i look like a weird standoffish loner sometimes to some people, which is the result of the rest of my type letters AND some anxiety problems).

SORRY FOR THE NOVEL. Ive been debating the E/I thing for myself for years so i thought id give my conclusion of the systems definition and the possible source of confusion.

Oh i guess i should add that you shouldn't confuse anxiety in social matters and other things like that with being introverted. Even extroverts experience that stuff *this guy here lol*

Ahaaaa!

I definitely want to make a start on confronting my anxiety, as it I feel like it's not just affecting me, but my friends and family too.

I think Counseling has done all it can for me, so I'm looking into joining local fitness clubs and societies. It there anything else you think I could do to overcome it?

Hey Lou! Its TehGunnyBunny (formerly) of DeviantArt. Just happened to see your post on Silverclaw1's wall and had to stop in to say hi and see how you're doing.

Perhaps this will be of help, but deep breathing and sensation exercises can be useful for getting rid of anxiety. If you'd like I can describe a simple one that could help with that. The question also is, do you find yourself over thinking simple things to the point that you don't do them? (This is called analysis paralysis)

OMG hey!

How're the plushes doing?

Yes, Analysis Paralysis covers it pretty damn well - it takes me a good while (days, weeks, months) to do certain activities, as all I can think of is the irreparable damage that they could cause...which is of course nonsense, but crippling nonetheless.

Any advice or exercises you can provide would be greatly appreciated

They're cute as ever^^ Hoping at some point to commission you to do a few more characters of their species.

As for the breathing exercise, its a simple sensation type called "Vipassana". I learned it a while ago when I got into Buddhism. The idea is thus...While many types focus on imagination, this one focuses on sensation (touch or feeling) to get you into the moment.

At first, you just focus on what the rings of your nostrils feel like with each breath. As this is only sensation based, let any images that form gently float away. As you breathe in and out. realize that each breath is different. Eventually, you'll feel what pure neuronal sensation is like. Once that happens (you'll feel what its like to you), you can move that feeling to the middle of your upper lip with your imagination. Then the apex of your skull, and then to anywhere on your body. Each of these can be done in separate meditations, so no pressure to try all of those in your first try.

I'd suggest starting with a simple 5 minutes, and working up from there. As for the analysis paralysis, the key to overcoming it is realizing when you have an urge to do something. Immediately, or as soon as possible is the best time to act on it. Vipassana is also useful for this so you can catalog what certain emotions feel like. Then once you know, its easier to realize the why behind the procrastination, and how to stop it.

Let me know if anything needs explaining, or if you've got any questions. I hope this is helpful though^^