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.