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How do I know if I have social anxiety?

33 Answers
Last Updated: 07/03/2018 at 5:12pm
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United States
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I treat life changes, women’s issues, and issues of aging using evidence-based treatments with healthy doses of warmth, empathy and humor to enhance healing and growth.

Top Rated Answers
Starfromheaven
November 17th, 2014 3:18pm
Everyone gets nervous or anxious from time to time—when speaking in public, for instance, or when going through financial difficulty. For some people, however, anxiety becomes so frequent, or so forceful, that it begins to take over their lives. How can you tell if your everyday anxiety has crossed the line into a disorder? It's not easy. Anxiety comes in many different forms—such as panic attacks, phobia, and social anxiety—and the distinction between an official diagnosis and "normal" anxiety isn't always clear. Here's a start: If you experience any of the following symptoms on a regular basis, you may want to talk with your doctor.
harmonyblake
October 11th, 2015 8:38am
The way I knew was because I started feeling nervous just going to school, for no reason; that was the first sign. Then I didn't want to ever go grocery shopping because of all the people and the noise, and when I was in crowded places, I started shaking or playing with my hands, I was always uncomfortable. That's how I knew I had social anxiety.
sabcx
November 11th, 2014 10:08am
Do you feel overwhelmed by the idea of going to a social event with lots of people? Do you find it hard to talk to others sometimes? Do you feel safer and more comfortable in your own space on your own? Do you dread doing class presentations? These are some simple signs!
Anonymous
July 7th, 2015 2:52am
As someone with Social Anxiety I could give you a generalization of the symptoms... but that would be unfair. It is different for every person. Some that MIGHT occur though include: Intense waves of sudden nervousness (sometimes without reason), illogical worrying and overthinking constantly, panic or anxiety attacks (though these can be from many different disorders, not just social anxiety), intense anxiety in social situations, going to great lengths to avoid social situations, and even things like physical anxiety symptoms such as sweating, pounding heart, dizziness, ect. It is best to go and see a doctor though if you have any real concerns or questions meant for a professional!
SageBunny
January 2nd, 2015 9:34pm
If you get very nervous around new people or in large groups of people, you may have social anxiety. If your fear of being in public or interacting with others keeps you from doing the things you wish you could do, then you almost definitely have it. Ask a doctor about this. There are many treatment options available.
Anonymous
October 31st, 2014 12:49pm
You could have social anxiety if your anxiety interferes with your plans and reduces your quality of life. For example, if you have plans with the a friend that you have been looking forward to see, but then start to feel so nervous that you have to cancel, you may be dealing with social anxiety. I can also present itself at school, work, and even in grocery stores! (Grocery stores are a big social anxiety trigger for me!) Just know that you are capable of dealing with social anxiety. I like to think of myself as a brave adventurer, even if that means just going to the supermarket to pick up some supplies for dinner or going to a concert with some friends. That doesn't necessarily mean that I don't feel completely nervous while I am out. It means that despite that, I accept that I react with anxiety, take deep breaths, and try to focus on who I am with or which avocado is ripe. You are a brave, wonderful person, and you can always speak to a listener at Seven Cups if you are feeling overwhelmed!
Anonymous
October 30th, 2014 10:47pm
Often those with social anxiety have fear of being around others, find it hard to talk or even breath properly. There are various types of social anxiety, but the basic concept is the inability to function properly in public.
organticMango15
October 7th, 2015 7:41pm
It's extremely common to just be shy in social situations, however social anxiety is an intense fear of everyday activities, such as speaking on the phone. It's natural to worry about social situations, but people with social anxiety disorder constantly worry and will get physical symptoms (e.g panic attack), social anxiety becomes more than just a worry. I'd say that if it disturbs your everyday activities and makes you worry about doing simple tasks involving socialising, then it would become social anxiety. The signs of social anxiety disorder are: fear of meeting strangers, fear of talking in groups or starting conversations, fear of speaking on the phone, fear of eating or drinking in public, having low self-esteem and feeling insecure about relationships, fear of being judged, and avoiding eye contact. If you worry about social interactions and doing simple tasks that involve social interactions, then I would say it is social anxiety. However, there is also just being 'shy', but if you're just shy then you won't feel the anxiety that people suffering with social anxiety disorder feel. The main sign of anxiety is always panic attacks, if you have a panic attack then it's much more than just a worry.
trynyty
November 10th, 2015 1:13pm
If your chest hurts because you have to schedule an appointment over the phone, if you would wait in line at the self checkout for 15 minutes even though there is a free lane, if you cancel plans just because you don't want to deal with people in public, then you probably have a form of social anxiety.
Arkelight
December 27th, 2014 11:04pm
Do you feel anxious in social situations? Does it impact how you react to these situations or cause you to avoid them? If the answer to these questions is yes, then you may be suffering from social anxiety.
Mayaisthename
November 15th, 2014 5:35pm
If you avoid going to social places and when you do you don't feel comfortable and you feel panicky
Mel
November 15th, 2014 2:59am
Just because you occasionally get nervous in social situations doesn’t mean you have social anxiety disorder or social phobia. Many people are shy or self-conscious—at least from time to time—yet it doesn’t get in the way of their everyday functioning. Social anxiety disorder, on the other hand, does interfere with your normal routine and causes tremendous distress
NeutralMilk
November 10th, 2014 10:59pm
If you are having a bad time connecting to people, you suffer from some sort of anxiety. Actually, not really. Maybe you have different fears. The only thing I csn think of is that real life human contact can make you feel better. It can make you appreciate who you are because other people appreciate you.
Anonymous
July 3rd, 2018 5:12pm
First of all, you can look at the symptoms of social anxiety online. However, bear in mind that self-diagnosis can sometimes be harmful and actually make the problem worse. To know for sure if you have social anxiety, you should get a professional opinion from a psychologist/psychotherapist or an official diagnosis from a psychiatrist.
kristinaa
November 17th, 2014 11:03am
You will be very anxious and nervous around other people, and may avoid social situations because of fear of embarrassment, or other anxiety related issues. It's best to talk to your doctor about social anxiety!
Anonymous
June 4th, 2018 6:57am
You will know that you have a social anxiety when you feel like going out and living your life to the fullest, but you don't because you are afraid. You will be afraid of large groups of people, and any kind of gathering. Your palm will get sweaty, you might start having breathing problems, your heartrate will increase… People with social anxiety, sometimes, but not always, have problems with speaking. They tend to stutter. If they feel that society is putting too much pressure on them at some specific moment, their hands will start to shake and they will feel lightheaded.
Anonymous
March 27th, 2018 5:28pm
When I'm in a group situation and start to feel awkward and as though I'm going to jump through my skin and run for the hills.
eeveeon
December 4th, 2017 8:24pm
Social anxiety usually refers to someone becoming afraid, anxious, scared, upset, fast heart rate (or sweats, shaking) or agitated in public situations. It is commonly suffered by many but is usually found out after feeling these symptoms in public places, or when meeting new people. Anxiety usually needs to be diagnosed by a medical professional. I would talk to a medical to rule any other pre-existing conditions that could be causing symptoms that were mentioned above, and can let you know if you are suffering with social anxiety.
Danielle999
October 9th, 2017 1:10pm
It's extremely common to just be shy in social situations, however social anxiety is an intense fear of everyday activities, such as speaking on the phone. It's natural to worry about social situations, but people with social anxiety disorder constantly worry and will get physical symptoms (e.g panic attack), social anxiety becomes more than just a worry. I'd say that if it disturbs your everyday activities and makes you worry about doing simple tasks involving socialising, then it would become social anxiety. The signs of social anxiety disorder are: fear of meeting strangers, fear of talking in groups or starting conversations, fear of speaking on the phone, fear of eating or drinking in public, having low self-esteem and feeling insecure about relationships, fear of being judged, and avoiding eye contact. If you worry about social interactions and doing simple tasks that involve social interactions, then I would say it is social anxiety. However, there is also just being 'shy', but if you're just shy then you won't feel the anxiety that people suffering with social anxiety disorder feel. The main sign of anxiety is always panic attacks, if you have a panic attack then it's much more than just a worry.
lovingPenguin
January 31st, 2017 11:07pm
Social anxiety is more than a thought of worry. It is a feeling which encompasses you and makes you act completely differently in different situations. It's normal to be nervous meeting new people, or at a job interview. But not to be exerting physical symptoms (abdominal pain, illness) or to have extreme worries to the point of avoiding things you enjoy.
jakfullofwandering
September 20th, 2016 7:09am
Research symptoms, see a therapist or doctor, have a screening done. Social Anxiety can be screened for.
Anonymous
April 18th, 2016 11:58am
If you find that you avoid places with large numbers of people and get nervous talking to strangers or other people, you might have social anxiety.
Anonymous
January 4th, 2016 6:04pm
Social anxiety is defined by an excessive fear of social situations, such as talking to people, doing things in front of other people, or other similar social situations. Everyone experiences a little bit of social anxiety, such as stage fright, but social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental illness and can be treated. I'd talk to my doctor about it.
Anonymous
December 29th, 2015 8:54am
When you can't talk to people and you just feel so anxious around people than this means that you have got social anxiety
Anonymous
November 30th, 2015 9:14am
Are you afraid to order food? Are you afraid to go on the phone with someone you do not know? You may have social anxiety. It may be like going up to your crush but with everyone you come in contact with that you don't know well.
Anonymous
November 16th, 2015 8:49pm
I feel overwhelmed by the number of people that are around me, I purposely avoid meeting new people or joining in group conversations because I don't want to draw attention to myself.
enchantingWind58
November 9th, 2014 12:38pm
Many times you will notice you are being very uncomfortable in social situations. Feelings like anxiety, fear and confusion are usually present. It may be physical too. That includes symptoms like drying mouth, feeling nauseous, sweating palms, headache etc.
HopefulJet61
November 9th, 2015 2:48am
I would definetly do research and see what signs and symptoms can be involving social anxiety. Along with that if you are look up excercises that can help.
lovelystrings16
October 16th, 2015 3:53am
Social anxiety is not always going to immediately identifiable, as I have had it for over 9 years and I just realized this in the past 2 years. I would say that if you are self conscious and you are scared of people looking at you and judging you for who you are, then that is a pretty big clue that you have it. If you are afraid to do small things because of what people might think or say, or if you have a hard time staying focused and engaged in conversations with people you don't/ barely know. Good luck, because social anxiety is a big deal and it literally drains my energy all day long.
Anonymous
November 15th, 2014 1:29am
If you are very afraid of speaking in public, or you have a constant fear of being judged by others