As the first decade of the new millenium comes to a close, it is time to reflect back on the events of the past ten years. The headlines pertaining to social anxiety disorder (SAD) ranged from the worst imaginable to some of the most inspiring.

Here's a look back at the years 2000 to 2009.

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If you are looking for work or have been recently laid off, chances are that there is a job interview in your future. For many people, the prospect of having to sell themselves in an interview is terrifying; for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD) it can be nearly impossible. Below are some quick tips to help you get through your next interview:

• Arrive early. There is nothing worse than being rushed on your way to an interview. Give yourself plenty of time.
  
  
• Breathe. If you find yourself panicking during an interview, take long slow breaths from your diaphragm.
  
  
• Congratulate yourself. Even if you don't get the job, congratulate yourself on doing the interview. Never ruminate about what you think might have gone wrong, but do think about how you could improve your interviewing skills in the future.

Read more about job interview anxiety:

• Dealing with Job Interview Anxiety
• 10 Tips For Coping With Job Interview Anxiety
• How Do You Handle Job Interviews?

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Although I am not a regular viewer of Dancing With the Stars, I have seen enough episodes to know that what the dancers do is not easy.

Throw a bunch of celebrities in the mix who may or may not be quick learners, and you have the makings of a great reality show. A show that Donny Osmond probably would never have dreamed about participating in back in 1994 when he first started having problems with SAD.

Fast forward 15 years and where do we stand? Donny Osmond has not only competed in, but won Dancing With the Stars. Congratulations to a great performer and a shining example of how you should never give up, no matter how difficult things seem at the time.

Photo: Henry S. Dziekan / Getty Images

Back in September of 2007, I blogged about two brothers raising awareness for SAD who met up with then not-so-well-known pitcher Zack Greinke. Little did I know at the time what was in store for Greinke and that his name would keep popping up.

In April of this year I wrote about Greinke being on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Well-deserving, I thought, and a real victory for those dealing with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Here was someone who had not only managed to overcome SAD, but who was also excelling in his career.

Now here we are in November of 2009, and the good news just keeps coming. Zack Greinke was named the 2009 Cy Young award winner. A look at his stats tell us why. Now the fans are asking what he will do next year. I would argue that he's done enough; but then I didn't know what to expect two years ago. Maybe the best is still yet to come.

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