Do I Have Social Anxiety? How to Tell

Anxiety is the most common mental health condition in the world. It impacts millions of people in different ways, largely because there are so many different types of anxiety.

One of the most prominent is social anxiety.

Being somewhat introverted or not wanting to spend much time in social settings is one thing. But having an actual fear of being around people or interacting with others is quite another.

Still, many people might deal with social anxiety without knowing it. Not having answers or a proper diagnosis can fuel your fears and make things worse. The more you understand the signs of social anxiety, the easier it will be to seek help and start to take control of your life again.

So, how can you tell if you have social anxiety? Let’s cover a few of the common “red flags” associated with it.

You Worry About Being Judged

One of the biggest issues people with social anxiety face is a fear of judgment.

Maybe the reason you don’t want to get involved in social situations is that you fear people will think negatively of you. You might worry about doing/saying something embarrassing, or simply that your presence will make people gossip.

Unfortunately, that anxiety doesn’t go away just because you don’t attend an event or gathering. By not going, you could end up making your fears even worse by wondering what people are saying about you behind your back.

Nine times out of ten, these fears are unwarranted and unrealistic. But they can seem very real and overwhelming when you’re dealing with anxiety.

You Have Trouble Interacting

Sometimes, you’re forced into social situations. You might have to give a presentation for work, network at a specific event, or meet new people in a group of friends.

If any of that sounds overwhelming, it’s a good sign you’re struggling with social anxiety. The fear often takes things one step further, making it difficult to interact in those situations.

Think about how you feel and act when you meet someone new. Do you have difficulty speaking or saying what’s really on your mind? Maybe you get choked up or start to get extremely nervous.

Unfortunately, that can perpetuate the cycle of fear that you might do something embarrassing.

You Experience Physical Symptoms

Social anxiety is a mental health issue. However, it can impact your physical wellbeing. Some of the most common physical symptoms associated with social anxiety include:

• Sweating
• Trembling
• A racing heart
• Flushing
• A shaky voice

These symptoms can get worse when you’re in an uncomfortable social situation, or even when you start to think about a social setting that fuels your fear.

The fear that comes from social anxiety often makes people isolate themselves or avoid dealing with social situations as often as possible. Your physical symptoms will often make it easier to give yourself an “excuse” to isolate yourself from others, since you don’t want to be embarrassed by any obvious signs of worry.

What Can You Do?

If any of these signs sound familiar, take a deep breath. Social anxiety can be scary and overwhelming, but you’re not alone when it comes to what you’re experiencing.

There are different ways of dealing with social anxiety, from taking baby steps in social situations to having an “escape plan” ready when you have to immerse yourself in large groups.

However, the best way to treat (and beat) this type of anxiety is to get to the root cause. Working with a therapist can help you uncover the underlying reason(s) for your anxiety, so you can learn the best strategies to overcome it and feel comfortable interacting with others.

Click here for more information on Anxiety Treatment.