Do you suffer from social anxiety?

[Spooky Shortie's iconSpooky Shortie]

Something I have suffered with for a long time now, since I was really young, has been social anxiety. I remember when I started school, I was always really nervous, and I would get very upset when I knew my mum had to leave and go home for a little while.

Even now, being in social settings or even places where I have to socialise makes me really anxious.

Do you suffer from social anxiety? Do you find anything helps?

 

[Smokey Smokey Smokey's icon]

Yeah sometimes. I don't like large crowds. I basically hate everyone so I don't really like being forced to interact with others if I don't have to.

 

[Matt C.]

Anxiety? Yes. Does it stop me from interacting with people? No.

I work in sales, so I have no problem interacting with customers when I need to. The flip side, if I'm not at work or in 'The zone' I prefer to be left alone and do my own thing.

 

[Kennysplash]

Social anxiety, like not doing well in a group of people? Yes I do suffer from it as well. But mine is in the form of being introverted and not because I feel a need to associate with people. If I were to choose, I will rather spend time with myself than with others. So I don’t really feel it as much as those that feel the need to interact do.

 

[uptrendfinancialsignal]

Yeah, I used to get that anxious feeling around new people . I tried to fight it but it is not easy, but over time, I have learned to go with the flow and remind myself that not everyone is harmful. The hardest part is starting a conversation, but once I do, it gets better.

 

[Sanjeev]

I never had anxiety in my life. I am very self-confident and never shy to speak to a stranger or when in a group of people. Only once in my life did I feel nervous, when I took admission to the college and had to stay in the hostel and had to leave home. I was upset but then adjusted well with the time.

 

[Kaynil]

Well apparently what I thought was normal thoughts and being mindful and polite are result of constant anxiety overthinking on way to prevent anything and everything from going sideways.

That being said, I am doing a lot better. Although I never had a diagnose when I was young I am almost certain I had, at the very least General Anxiety Disorder. I used to lose sleep and agonise so much in any social situation. If I can have it my way I am never making a phone call and if I do I have to have a script and roleplay in my head several times what I'll say. I also take ages writing because I am trying to find the right words.

 

[Olusmart]

I won't say mine is social anxiety but when I'm in an unfamiliar area I may be withdrawn until I get used to the people. I can only be anxious if I'm not sure of my security.

 

[KrissyCakes09]

Sometimes but my husband is WAY worse.

 

[Herman Munster's iconHerman Munster]

I wouldn't necessarily call it social phobia because I do have PTSD but I do take a bit of time to get comfortable with people in real life.

 

[RainbowSunshine]

Social anxiety has always been part of my life too. It’s that mix of nerves and overthinking that hits even in casual settings. For me, it started in school as well. I’d dread being called on in class or having to speak in front of others. As an adult, it shows up in new ways, work meetings, phone calls, even social gatherings I actually want to attend. What’s helped is understanding that anxiety isn’t something to get rid of but something to manage. I’ve learned to give myself small challenges, like staying ten extra minutes at a gathering or starting one conversation instead of avoiding everyone. Some days are better than others, but the more I face it, the less power it has. I think the key is kindness toward yourself. Anxiety feeds on self criticism, so being gentle with yourself makes a world of difference.

 

[Ginger]

I do suffer from this and does not consider myself as someone who is social because I don't like to meet new people and mostly talk point to point with every person I meet.