Hello - I'm new to this group and I'd like to ask if anyone has any
advice that might help me. I'm quite confident when talking to
individual people but in groups I become so painfully shy I often
can't say anything at all.

I typically experience this problem at work in meetings, especially
in circumstances where I feel I should make a contribution (because
otherwise people will think that I'm stupid or not very interested).
I have a stream of automatic/negative thoughts about being
stupid/worthless that make me feel very unhappy. I think these
thoughts, which go hand-in-hand with the physical symptoms of
stress, such as sweating, and feelings of anxiety, have a lot to do
with my inability to participate in these situations. They take my
mind off the topic being discussed - so of course, I can't say
anything useful. It should be possible not to get caught by my own
thoughts in this way - shouldn't it? Do you know how I can get over
this?

Many thanks
Sarah