Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged by others in social situations. It is more than just shyness or stage fright. It’s a persistent fear that gets in the way of everyday activities such as work, school, or social events. People with social anxiety disorder may worry about things like blushing, sweating, trembling, or feeling nauseous. They may feel like everyone is watching them and judging them negatively. This can cause them to avoid social situations or endure them with great distress. If you think you might have social anxiety disorder, here are some signs to look out for.
1. Worrying about social situations long in advance. If you find yourself dreading upcoming events days or even weeks in advance, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
2. Feeling extremely nervous in social situations. If you get anxious just thinking about being around other people, it’s likely more than just shyness.
3. Avoiding social situations. If you start avoiding parties, work gatherings, and other events because you’re afraid of how you’ll feel there, it’s a sign that your anxiety is starting to interfere with your life.
4. Experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety in social situations. If your heart races, your hands shake, or you feel nauseous when you’re around other people, it’s a sign that your body is reacting strongly to the anxiety you’re feeling.
5. Worrying about being embarrassed or humiliated in social situations. People with social anxiety disorder often worry about saying or doing something embarrassing in front of other people. They may worry that they will blush, sweat, tremble, or say something foolish.
6. Feeling like you’re being judged by others in social situations. People with social anxiety disorder often feel like they are being watched and evaluated by others in social situations. They may worry that others will notice their anxiety and judge them negatively because of it.
7. fearing that others will see that you’re anxious. Many people with social anxiety disorder are afraid that others will see how anxious they are and think less of them because of it.
8. fearing that others will notice your physical symptoms. Many people with social anxiety disorder are also afraid that others will see their physical symptoms of anxiety such as blushing , sweating , trembling , or having a hard time speaking This can make them even more anxious and cause them to avoid social situations even more.
If you think you might have social anxiety disorder, it’s important to talk to a mental health professional who can help you diagnose and treat the condition. There are many effective treatments for social anxiety disorder , including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) , exposure therapy , and medication. With treatment , most people with social anxiety disorder can learn to manage their fear and live full , happy lives .