How social phobia manifests and several signs of anxiety disorder.
Are you extremely afraid of being judged by others? Do you feel awkward in everyday situations? Do you avoid meeting new people? All of this are characteristic signs of social anxiety disorder, which affects around 15 million people in the United States alone.
Social phobia is defined as an intense feeling of fear, awkwardness, or shame in social or professional settings. This condition is much deeper than mere shyness. Shyness is more of a personality trait, whereas social anxiety disorder can seriously disrupt one’s life.
If you suspect that you have social anxiety disorder or another mental health issue, we strongly recommend seeking help from a qualified professional.
9 Things Social Phobia Forces Us to Do:
1. Constantly Check the Time and Place.
You check your phone over and over again to make sure you’ve arrived where you need to be. People with social anxiety are particularly afraid of being late or being in the wrong place. Even if they are confident they did everything right, one more check brings them peace of mind.
2. Rehearse Conversations in Their Heads.
Many mentally play out future conversations, rehearsing arguments or even trying out the conversation in reality. This helps reduce anxiety, although the habit of rehearsing does not always indicate the presence of social phobia.
3. Avoid Phone Calls.
Although texting is generally more popular among young people, for those with anxiety, phone calls are a particular stressor. They are not afraid of the phone itself, but of the risk of being judged during the conversation.
4. Pretend to Be Busy on a Call.
Pretending to talk on the phone or putting on headphones is a common strategy to avoid unwanted interaction.
5. Constantly Worry About How You Are Perceived.
People with social phobia fear appearing ridiculous, boring, or awkward. This tension can be so strong that it leads to panic attacks.
6. Feel Lonely Among People.
Even when in company, a person with anxiety finds it hard to relax and be themselves. This intensifies feelings of isolation.
7. Experience Physical Discomfort.
Shaking, sweating, rapid heartbeat, dizziness, muscle tension — all of these are manifestations of social anxiety.
8. Obsess Over Their Appearance.
Constant doubts about how you look can lead to a distorted self-perception and excessive spending on cosmetics, clothing, or diets.
9. Feel Like Themselves Only Around "Their Own".
People with social phobia behave much more freely with those they know well and trust. This phenomenon is similar to selective mutism in children, where they are silent in some situations but talk freely in others.
Do you recognize yourself or someone you know in these points? Consult a mental health professional — it can help you cope with fears and gain more confidence.
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