I'm 20 and I've dealt with anxiety for a few years, but I'm finally getting help for it. I just started my 3rd SSRI and cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be helping. I'm also really fine tuning my diet and reading some self help books.

The thing is, it's still hard. I have trouble doing basic things that set my anxiety off into panic (restaurants, haircuts, train rides) but I'm working on them, and I'm refusing to let it keep me from driving, going shopping, going to college, and working. I don't want to end up a hermit at home. I do just want to be clear though, my anxiety isn't "oh I'm a little nervous" when I have a panic attack it's very scary, filled with chest pains, faintness, shaking, and racing thoughts but I do have a stronger medication for these emergencies.

I'm not sure what to do about dating. I'd love to have a girlfriend, someone who can be my best friend and that would know about my struggle (I don't like to tell people about my anxiety) and could maybe help me. I'd love to have someone to just go for drives with and be able to love but I'm not sure I can handle that right now. If I can't even get a haircut because of anxiety how can I go on a date with a girl? I also feel like I wont be a very good boyfriend because of these problems, what girl wants to go out with a guy who has anxiety this bad?

I'm not sure what to do.