Social situations can make many people feel nervous from time to time. However, when fear or anxiety around other people becomes persistent and starts interfering with everyday life, it may be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
Also see: Social anxiety: Everyday signs and how to cope
Social anxiety is more than simply being shy. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), people with social anxiety disorder may experience intense fear or anxiety about situations in which they could be watched, evaluated or judged by others.
Here are warning signs to consider.
You feel nervous around other people
You may experience intense anxiety before or during social situations such as meeting new people, attending parties, speaking in meetings or interacting with strangers. The fear can sometimes feel disproportionate to the actual situation and may be difficult to control.
Worrying about being judged
A common feature of social anxiety is persistent concern about what other people think of you. You might worry that you will say something embarrassing, make a mistake, appear awkward or be negatively judged by others.
Avoidance
Avoidance can be an important warning sign. Someone experiencing social anxiety may regularly turn down invitations, avoid starting conversations, skip events or choose situations where they are less likely to interact with other people. Over time, this can affect friendships, work, education and other aspects of daily life.
Also see: 5 signs of anxiety men often ignore but shouldn’t
Experiencing physical symptoms
Social anxiety isn’t only emotional. It can also trigger physical symptoms. These may include blushing, sweating, trembling, a racing heartbeat, nausea, dizziness or difficulty speaking. Some people may also experience a feeling that their mind has gone blank when they are under social pressure.
Fearing everyday activities
Social anxiety can extend beyond large gatherings or public speaking. Some people may become highly anxious about activities such as making a phone call, eating in front of others, asking a question, speaking to a cashier or attending an appointment.
Having some social discomfort does not automatically mean you have social anxiety disorder. A healthcare professional can assess your symptoms and determine whether they are consistent with a mental health condition.
Also see: How rejection therapy helps with social anxiety
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