How do I know if I have social anxiety?

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.

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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

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.

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.

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

If you avoid going to social places and when you do you don't feel comfortable and you feel panicky