What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is a chronic mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety and fear. Social anxiety disorder typically begins in the teenage years, though it can sometimes start in younger children or in adults.

If we consider the statistics, according to the National Institute of Mental Health social anxiety is more common among women than men, and approximately 12.1% of U.S. adults experience a social anxiety disorder at some time in their lives. That means that 12 adults in every hundred, struggle with social anxiety, and these numbers are growing every year.

So how can you tell if you’ve got social anxiety? Some of the symptoms are:

1. avoiding social situations
2. cancelling plans abruptly
3. immense guilt when you cancel plans
4. needing alcohol to face social situations
5. feeling like you can’t participate
6. dreading social situations
7. dreading being outside your safe space (home)
8. missing school or work due to anxiety
9. worrying about perceptions of you
10. overthinking things to say or do
11. blushing or reddened face
12. excessive sweating
13. fast heartbeat when in social situations
14. talking to strangers
15. going on dates
16. meeting new people
17. making phone calls
18. making eye contact
19. using public restrooms
20. isolating yourself
21. dizziness in public
22. muscle tension or twitches when social
23. stomach trouble when social
24. dry mouth or throat

At one time or another I’ve experienced many of these. Why? I believe it’s a combination of genetic and environmental factors at play.

The good news is that social anxiety responds very well to medication management; at least for me it has.

If you experience these symptoms for a prolonged period of time, do yourself a favor and seek therapy. No one should have to suffer when there are treatments available to at least alleviate some of the symptoms.