Social anxiety?? please help?

I'm the same way, I get nervous around people I don't know. As a matter of fact, It freaks me out !they can't understand me cause I speak rubberish and very low. But I think you should go, cause they can't just turn you around and say "oh you're just shy. You'll get over it !" If bringing your friend will make you more comfortabke then go for it. But self harming is never the right idea, and its not going to help you resolve your issues. Its only going to leave scars.