I'm looking for some advice from people who have dealt with panic attacks and social anxiety because I'm starting to wonder whether it's time to seek professional help.

For the past couple of years, I've had a lot of anxiety in social situations, especially when meeting new people, speaking in groups, or attending events where I don't know many people. Lately, it seems to be getting worse rather than better. I've started turning down invitations and avoiding situations that I know will make me uncomfortable.

On top of that, I've had a few episodes that felt like panic attacks. My heart starts racing, I get shaky, and it feels like I need to leave whatever situation I'm in immediately. Even when the episode passes, I spend days worrying about it happening again.

I've been reading about treatment options, and I'm curious about how much a psychiatrist can help with these kinds of issues. I understand that psychiatrists work with anxiety disorders, but I'd like to hear from people who have actually gone through the process. Did a psychiatrist help you figure out what was causing the panic attacks and social anxiety? Did you feel like the treatment made a noticeable difference in your ability to function day to day?

I'm especially interested in hearing from anyone who waited a long time before seeking help. Looking back, was there a point when you realized you shouldn't keep trying to manage it on your own?

Any experiences or advice would be greatly appreciated. I'm trying to decide what my next step should be and would value hearing from others who have been in a similar situation.