This is a self-check tool to help identify experiences that are common to social anxiety. It does not consider all experiences of social anxiety or the possible reasons why a person might be having them. This tool does not provide a formal diagnosis of Social Anxiety Disorder. Only a professional can make a diagnosis.
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Someone with social anxiety can suffer excruciating, debilitating fear at social situations that can trigger an anxiety attack (with symptoms such as hyperarousal and rapid heartbeat, heightened senses, dry mouth, wobbly legs, pain in chest, and the need to get out of there as quickly as possible).
Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include constant: Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively. Worry about embarrassing or humiliating yourself. Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers. Fear that others will notice that you look anxious.
Someone with social anxiety may feel extremely nervous in social situations, but present as extroverted and confident. Other people might not even be able to detect their anxiety. Shyness tends to be more apparent, although it often presents as situational. In other words, shyness tends to flare at certain times.
For some people it gets better as they get older. But for many people it does not go away on its own without treatment. It’s important to get help if you are having symptoms. There are treatments that can help you manage it.
These 9 strategies offer a place to begin. Talk with a therapist. Explore specific situations that trigger anxiety. Challenge negative thoughts. Take small steps. Role-play with people you trust. Try relaxation techniques. Practice acts of kindness.
Sometimes reclusiveness can be a sign of something more serious, though. Social anxiety is one of the most common mental illnesses, but it’s still poorly understood outside of scientific circles. The good news is that it’s highly treatable, according to Stefan G.