How do i stop social anxiety before its too late?

I'm 19 and it's honestly hard for me to even go for a walk because I'm scared someone will try to talk to me, I feel like I'm going to be like this for the rest of my life, and that scares me, but I'm also scared to try. I feel like if i put myself out there, and people dont like me, then i will just be even more discouraged and afraid of people, and then i will never improve.

I try to trick myself into thinking that i dont need anybody else and that I'm ok being alone but I'm so desperate for just any human connection. Social anxiety will be the death of me but i have no idea how to start improving.