I just thought I'd write to say that I've spent quite a lot of today
reading through lots of the past messages here (when I should have
been working!) and I have learnt a lot of useful stuff about getting
over shyness -- such as the importance of focusing on the other
person (and the external world in general) rather than looking
inwards. Maybe this is (at least part of) the key to controlling my
disturbing thoughts. It's true they are always about me! (Not
exactly sure how I can put this into practice though... still, it's
something to think about).

I read on another website that attempting to suppress thoughts about
a particular thing can actually make them happen more often! Is this
true in people's experience, and if so, how on earth can I avoid
these thoughts without deliberating attempting to surpress them??

Oh well!
BTW, when I am feeling shy, I also sometimes have really violent
thoughts about my own death - being shot in the head, buried alive
etc etc - I don't know why because I am pretty normal in most other
ways. Does anyone else have this experience?

Thanks! Do you know, this list has made me feel better, just by
reading it.