Could I have “social anxiety”?

I have a hard time talking to people too. You probably could go to a phyc for this but I think the best way to conquor it is to try and talk to people. I still ahve a hard time but I am better than I was. I used to be so scared that I wouldn’t ask for help from teachers if I was having trouble. I hate the feeling of being the odd one out and I always feel that way because it is so hard to talk to people. One thing that helped me was I got a job working with people, I had a hostess job and my boss knew I was extremely shy so she would tell me what to say when the next person came up to us. It was usually really simple like beautiful weather isn’t it and the people would respond back and talk to me. Then she would have something else for me to say to the next people. I tought me how to not be so awkward. Good Luck, i know it is really hard.

I have this. I have extreme paranoia and practically live with butterflies in my stomach. I am not on any form of medication although people have suggested that I probably should be. I live in fear of upsetting people or people being mad at me and rarely if ever stand up for myself because of this. If people blow me off or cancel plans with me, I instantly feel that it is because of me, that there is something wrong with me.

As for the medication, you would probably do well on an antianxiety medication. I have also heard that the herb, St. John’s Wort works well which you can find in the vitamin section. However, if you are on birth control, it could counteract with your oral contraceptive.

sounds like an inferiority complex,along with shyness,i was same for yrs,was never sure of myself so i just thought everyone else judged me for the worst,truth is most people are that wrapped up in themselves to even notice how your feeling or thinking,and people dont hand out compliments for no reason,even if you dont believe it yourself,and no theres no medication but there is cognitive behavioral therapy,that ive heard works,personally tho i think its just something u come to terms with when you start accepting yourself,even i have the odd moment still when i feel completely shit and slightly paranoid,but what the hell you learn from it and do it different next time

Many people deal with this, I honestly think it may just be a part of growing up. It can be too much if it interferes with your daily life. To be honest I went through a socially awkward time too. I dealt with it by drinking. Not a good solution!
In high school I couldn’t go to prom because I was so nervous to be around people. I think with time it will be less painful for you. The biggest thing that helped me I joined the military. This may not be the solution for you but just try to find a group that you can relate to and have fun with. Being a part of something that makes you feel good about yourself could really help.

I suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder for long,long time,at the begining I thought it was just Extreme Shyness:
You suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder if…….
Generally, people with social anxiety disorder fear and avoid social situations that fall into two broad categories, performance situations (e.g., situations that involve performing in front of others or being observed by other people) and social interaction situations (e.g., situations that involve engaging or interacting with one or more people). Most people with social anxiety disorder fear situations from both of these categories.

Examples of Feared Performance Situations in Social Anxiety Disorder:
• Public speaking
• Talking in meetings or classes
• Participating in sports or working out in front of others
• Performing music or acting on stage
• Writing in front of others
• Eating or drinking in front of others
• Using public restrooms when other people are nearby
• Making mistakes in front of others
• Being in public areas such as a shopping mall or a bus

Examples of Feared Social Interaction Situations in Social Anxiety Disorder:
• Going to a party
• Initiating or maintaining conversation
• Talking to strangers
• Inviting friends over for dinner
• Talking on the phone
• Expressing personal opinions
• Being assertive (e.g., refusing to give in to unreasonable requests, asking others to change their behavior)
• Being in intimate situations
• Talking to people in authority (e.g., employer, professor, doctor)
• Returning items to a store or sending food back in a restaurant

You suffer from Extreme Shyness: if…….
Some people however, are afflicted with a degree of shyness so severe that it is almost disabling. This type of acute shyness is not only very painful to experience, but it can have devastating effects on a person’s social life, happiness, and career. Severe shyness is a complex mix of biology, upbringing, traumatic experiences, and negative self-talk. Severe shyness can co-exist with other debilitating psychological conditions such as low self-esteem, perfectionism, depression and anxiety.

Extreme shyness can take many forms, and can show up differently in different people. Some very shy people have problems being in large gatherings, yet feel comfortable in small groups. Some shy people only feel acute discomfort with persons they have just met, while others are never comfortable around people, even those they have known a long time.
This is one of the Shyness symptoms. When a person feels bothered in such a situation, there may be thoughts at play such as: ‘What is she thinking about me?’, ‘He must be thinking that I am humorless and no fun at all’, ‘He must be thinking that I am misinformed’, or ‘I just have to find a talking topic’. These things indicate that the person’s reference is on the other and not on himself.
Those who suffer from severe shyness may feel extremely uncomfortable physical sensations such as panic attacks, anxiety, sweating, blushing and trembling, when they are around other people. They may also experience an intense inner barrage of harsh negative thoughts and self criticism.

Shy people may be harshly criticising their own social performance even while they are overwhelmed with waves of shame and feelings of inadequacy.In my own experience, When I was very young first I noticed that I was suffering from Extreme Shyness:Second I started to suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder :Now I am suffering from severe mental Depression

What is next I dont know…………….However, major or clinical depression is a serious, debilitating illness that intensely affects how you feel, think, and ultimately how you behave. Depression can last for years and without treatment can cause permanent disability. It is a profoundly painful, distressing disorder that rarely can be overcome without external help. No amount of ‘pulling up your sock’, true grit and determination, positive self-talk, love and support will lift the dark veil of depression. It is an illness and it needs treatment. I know that soon I will not be able to function anymore because I went to look for help too late.But you still have time,please consult your doctor ASAP,if you can stop it in time you will make it.Your family doctor is the first step.

Take care as always. Good luck!