Over the past few years, I’ve become so scared of rejection and abandonment to the point that I’m starting to become scared of interactions with people in general. I know I’m probably misinterpreting or overexaggerating but I often feel people don’t like me or that they liked me originally but are changing their opinion about me. I often feel embarrassed and nervous when talking to other people because I’m so scared I’m going to say something stupid or something they find offensive or off putting. I have very low self esteem and self confidence and no longer feel comfortable “being myself” because I worry that people don’t like my real self. 

This has become crippling in terms of meeting new people, especially at work. I’m actually afraid of my coworkers and boss. I often avoid interactions as much as possible but unfortunately my job requires frequent interaction with my team and other departments. Worse, I’m a manager so my own team is often coming to me for questions and complaints. It feels like a barrage everyday and I can’t get away from it. I’m now on a leave of absence because it’s gotten so bad I feel like I can’t cope with my fear at work.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to build self confidence, especially in the work place?