Q: Tell me, how was it you got involved with this project, AFRAID OF PEOPLE?

A: I'd been suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder and it finally came to a climax for me in 1997. At age 11, I'd started developing these feelings. My case was a bit different, typically those who suffer from the disorder believe they are being talked about or criticized - when in reality they are not.  In my case I was being criticized and talked about, which made the problem even worse. With AFRAID OF PEOPLE, I'm really hurting for these people; I know what they've been through. This program will let people who are suffering know that there is help out there. So many [people] are unwilling to do anything about it because they are embarrassed. It's amazing after 1997 and then with the release of my book so many men came up to me to thank me for writing about the disorder and for coming out about my disease. This program is going to help even more.

Q: Why do you think AFRAID OF PEOPLE is a good program for public television?

A: I don't think the networks would pay mind and give it the attention it deserves. Post September 11th, I've seen so many people looking for some help in so many areas of their lives, this being one of them. Public television is going to be surprised at the service they will be doing for their viewers; nearly 7 million people suffer from some form of social anxiety disorder. They may even have co-workers, friends or loved ones who are suffering from this disorder and don’t even know it.

It doesn't manifest itself like cancer... it’s in your mind so it's not evident and can’t be easily diagnosed - yet you are dying inside. But there finally is help and there has been a big break in the understanding of what Social Anxiety Disorder really is. The state of people's physical health is so important in ridding the world of this disease. Mental health is only now being recognized as just as important to our survival, and this program will help people discover valuable information.

Q: Was there anything you learned about Social Anxiety Disorder during the narration of AFRAID OF PEOPLE that you hadn't learned through therapy and research?

A: Some of the medical terms and what happens in the brain [when people are suffering from an attack] were some things I didn't know about. Also, I found it very interesting that genetics can play a huge role. I have definitely seen it creep up in my family, even in my parents. If you have those tendencies, it could come at any time in your life. The whole concept of the show is that medication and cognitive therapy play important roles in recovery. It gives you a lift up because this disorder is that debilitating. In fact, many who suffer also deal with issues of alcohol abuse. Things become a blackhole and it sucks you into it more and more.

Dr. Jerilyn Ross (Head of ADAA - Anxiety Disorders Association of America) is the lady who started me on my road to recovery. Being in show business, it was embarrassing to come out with this disorder, which at the time I didn't even know what it was called. I just thought I was crazy. I can't even tell you how important it is to know that you aren't alone and others have suffered and gotten through it.

Q: In 1999 you wrote your autobiography Life is Just What You Make It. My Story So Far, in which you reveal that you suffer from Social Phobia, an extreme fear of social and public situations. What was that experience like for you after so many years of hiding your disorder?

A: Yes, 1999 was the icebreaker. The book really gave me something to hide behind and was my initial entry to disclose all of this. That alone was therapeutic but it wasn't the only reason I wrote the book, it was just a chapter I dedicated to discussing the phobia.

Q: What is your hope with AFRAID OF PEOPLE? Why did you decide to narrate this program in particular?

A: I have two wishes 1. I hope those suffering from this disorder are willing to talk about it. That's the first major task. 2. I hope that those who don't suffer from die disorder will be educated about this phobia and won't just say to those who do suffer, "just snap out of it." This program can be the vehicle for those who suffer to gain the freedom to talk about it and those who don't to understand what this disorder is all about.

Q: Why do you think people just don't understand this social phobia? Is it lack of knowledge?

A: Personally, I think it goes beyond lack of knowledge. There is no rhyme or reason to this phobia and this keeps people from understanding its severity.  In my case I was performing for most of my life and when I would get anxious and try to share my feelings people would tell me just to bite the bullet.

Q: How long were you suffering?

A: From age 11 to age 35 ... so for nearly 24 years I suffered in silence.

Q: Donny, I hope you don't mind my asking this question, but are you 100% cured from your phobia?

A: To a large extent, that is not quite true. Your mind is more in control of this disorder than anything else. For instance, the other day it just hit me again, but it went away very quickly because I knew how to deal with it. If you can tell yourself that you're not dealing with reality and walk through all the lessons you learn through therapy, you get through it. It's all about learning how to deal with realities versus fabrications in your mind. And once you know how to deal with those, it passes as quickly as it comes. Once you train yourself to deal with that, you don't need the medication any longer, which is the point where I am at.  But it's a long difficult arduous project.

You know, there's a story in AFRAID OF PEOPLE about a very little girl who has been attacked by this disorder at a very early age. That's a huge step. This will help teach other parents that it's not just physical abuse but emotional abuse that is so dangerous for young children. Loving a child between the ages of zero to six is key to how they develop and grow as a person. Parents need to express their love for their child; otherwise it can really mess up the mind. Again, it goes back to the importance of good mental health not just physical. I truly believe that if you are mentally strong you can overcome physical disabilities. My brother Alan is a perfect example - he suffers from MS (Multiple Sclerosis) but has the greatest attitude. I was just talking to him last night about this interview and the AFRAID OF PEOPLE project and it was just so inspiring to hear him talk. Through medication and positive mental well-being, he's started to receive strength back in his hands.

For people like me suffering with these phobias and disorders - strong mind - that's what this thing is all about and that’s how you beat it!