Any other ADHD gamers intimidated by multiplayer?

As a single male in his 40s, I haven’t had friends to hang out with for many years, and gaming has always been my safe space. Primarily single-player PvE games. Soulslikes and Roguelikes especially. But I’ve become interested in some multiplayer games, but my anxiety wins out over my desire to play.

Background: I (43m) was diagnosed in the mid 90s, and have spent most of my life thinking it just meant I have trouble paying attention and sitting still. It’s only in the past couple years that I’ve been learning about all the extra party favors ADHD comes with, and lemme tell you, learning I have trouble with social cues and emotional dysregulation have really messed with my confidence.

I only recently learned rejection sensitivity was a thing amongst people with ADHD, and it explains more about me and my life than anything else I’ve learned about ADHD.

Which brings me back to gaming. I’m really enjoying Helldivers 2 and Marvel Rivals (a little burned out on the former), but find it difficult to play for too long. The thought of playing poorly, ruining the game for others, and getting yelled at is terrifying. I can only play for a bit before the anxiety takes the fun out of it.

Does anyone else experience similar? I know people make friends on multiplayer games, but how? I feel like I could stop worrying about all that if I had people to play with, but I have more than 500 hours and am max level in Helldivers, but I’m still a solo diver.

I’m interested in hearing about others’ experiences.

ETA: this has gotten way more responses than I’ve ever gotten before, and I just wanted to let everyone know that I appreciate you taking the time to share, and to tell you all I intend to respond personally to everyone.

Edit: changed language about RSD to rejection sensitivity, as per mod bot’s suggestion.