Is it normal for me to feel extremely anxious, even to walk into a small group of people?

First things first, I don't think you can describe anything as normal. What's 'normal' for one person is completely abnormal for someone else. Only you know how you feel and there is no right or wrong way to feel. I'm sure for a lot of people it is normal to feel anxious in this situation, I think it depends a lot on where you are on the scale between introverted and extroverted. The main thing to remember is that it is okay to feel anxious about things, everyone reacts to situations differently and their feelings can't often be controlled. So don't be put off about how you feel and certainly try not to let it hold you back.

What's normal? Our boundaries of normal are usually perspectives created by other people. It's all about what is normal for you. From experiance the less you worry and think about situations that make you feel this way the less they will effect you. If it is something you feel you need to overcome then taking small steps and building up to situations that make you anxious can help. Say for example large groups make you feel anxious... Start with meeting people in quieter atmospheres ( a small coffee shop with just one friend or family member) Then build it very gradually to meeting more people at once or still one person but in a slightly busier area (shopping centre). Taking smaller steps can help your body adjust and feel comfortable with situations without putting it under too much pressure. :)

Yes. It sounds like social anxiety. Lots of people suffer from it and you're not alone. There are resources to help you on here under the self help guides for anxiety

Of course it is. You might been facing a depression problem or maybe a self-esteem one. You should visit some expert and ask for being tracked on your behaviour. People who has never had social interaction or too little of it find it hard to face it. Keep calm, it is normal. You just need to keep on going and try to be a little confident with yourself. I trained myself by entering shops and asking something, then walk away without buying anything because I had some problems facing people and I felt almost always obligued to buy something.

Yes, it is normal to feel anxious even in a small group of people. Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways. But it's the way that you deal with it that really counts. Everyone will eventually find a way to cope with anxiety or even reduce it. It takes more time for some people but you will get there.

Anxiety is a common mental ailment, but nothing you should feel ashamed of. However, if it's so bad that you feel very uncomfortable within a small group of people (and I can relate; again, it's not some rare, freakish disease), then you may want to reach out to someone and seek help. Try looking over the Self Help Anxiety Guide.

For me I thought that it wasn't normal because I would get so nervous and my heart would beat everytime I walked into a room. I realized that I had extreme social anxiety and I still struggle with it today.

What we mark as normal changes widely, so it can be perfectly normal for you to feel such anxiety. Does this mean it's healthy? Probably not. Does it make you a weirdo? Not at all. Most people get anxious in social settings, but some of us suffer from it more acutely than others: some get panic attacks, some can't even get out of home because of the fear. If it is something you would like to change, as many of us do, try your best to take it slow: it won't help if you put yourself in situations so stressing that send you spiraling into uncontrollable anxiety. One step at a time, one day at a time, slow but steady. And never feel bad for not going as fast as you'd like: we usually have higher expectations than we can achieve, and it's those same expectations that keep us from succeeding! Find your pace, and your peace can follow soon after.

Everyone can experience anxiety at some point in their lives. For example when i started my new job I didn't know anyone and went into the staff room for lunch and i was anxious ,but I then sat down and introduced myself and turned out other people were feeling that way too.So you are not alone .

It is definitely normal to feel anxious or uncomfortable but this can be easily resolved when it becomes a consistent routine to make you feel comfortable