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Do I have social anxiety?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Guest
Guest

I've been quiet my entire life and have always thought I was shy. A few months ago I decided to google what social anxiety is because I didn't really undertand it. While doing this, I noticed I experienced a lot of the symptoms that were listed so I decided to talk to a friend and my parents about it. My parents just think I'm shy and awkward and my friend says he doesn't think I have it but he calls me weird because he's never met another person like me because I don't want to make big decisions (He wanted me to support him, which I did, but he wanted me to talk to the person that was being racist to him but I was too scared to do this and I didn't want to be mean or insulting to anyone). He also talked about how I fear people but he still doesn't think I have it. I experience most of the symptoms which are related to social anxiety such as dizziness, blurred vision, dry mouth, excessive sweating, blushing, sweaty palms, hot flashes, legs shaking tremble in voice, heart palpitations and a very slight increase in breathing rate (I wouldn't class this as much of a symptom since it doesn't change that much, but I still breathe a tiny bit faster). I don't like people judging me and tend to avoid social situations such as going to a restaurant with my family (I do sometimes have to go but I feel as though everyone is watching me eat or what I do. More recently, I have avoided eating in public or waiting a long time before I'm comfortable to do which can take up to an hour.) or going out with my friends (I still do this as well sometimes but late at night when there's not many people out). I avoid eye contact with people as well. If I were in a busy town, I'd just look at the floor to avoid looking at other people. I'm also afraid if people will notice me blushing or sweating etc. My friend likes to point this out when I'm blusing if I'm talking to someone which is really embarrassing. I don't believe I experience any anxiety/panic attacks but there have been one or two times in the past where I would be talking to a teacher or giving a presentation where I was breathing fast and my heart was pounding really hard, to the point of which I thought it might stop - this occured when I thought I was in trouble while talking to a teacher. During this, I was trying to hide the fact that I was breathing fast which made me feel very uncomfortable when talking to the teacher. I also believe I have a low self esteem as I hate the way I look and whether or not people are judging me because of that. I fear that people may judge me because of what I say or do. I sometimes worry that I may be unable to be in a relationship because of the way I look. Sorry, if I wasted your time because I'm wrong, I'm just curious. Thanks for reading.

2 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • Guest
    Guest

    Posted

    Sorry I forgot to include this but I'm 15 years old.

  • gruffudd
    gruffudd Guest

    Posted

    Hi Jack,

    Sorry that you're having the problems you describe. I don't think there is a clear line that anyone can draw between being 'just shy and awkward' and having anxiety disorder. Proffessionals such as a GP might typically use answers to questionaires to distinguish between the 2, as well as a little bit of their proffessional experience. Your friend and parents obviously know you best, yet have no expertise in the matter, so might come to a different conclusion to a professional - but neither is correct with a 100% certainty. Try some serious looking questionaires online, to give yourself some idea, but know that it's just a guide. In any case, there is one thing you know fore sure: social anxiety and low self esteem are causing you distress, and there is help out there. Perhaps there is someone at the school or some kind of your club you could talk to confidentially? Also you could talk about it with your GP - although, they do tend to be rushed for time. Perhaps the most helpful thing would be to call anxiety or general mental health helplines that are specifically for teenagers. It might be a little daunting or weird calling them in the beginning, but you almost certainly would feel a sense of relief afterwards.

    Also, 15 is a really tough age to be in terms of worrying about what people think of you, and it will get better.

    • Guest
      Guest gruffudd

      Posted

      Thanks for the reply. I've done a few tests on the internet before and they all seemed to give me the same result that I have moderate social anxiety. I'll try to see if there is a helpline I could use but I heard that I could use messaging on childline as well. Thanks for the help though cheesygrin

    • gruffudd
      gruffudd Guest

      Posted

      Moderate social anxiety sounds about right from what you describe, I reckon.
  • borderriever
    borderriever Guest

    Posted

    Jack

    At fifteen, we generally discuss issues when people reach sixteen years old.

    You are sensitive like many of your age and it seems you are sometimes leaned upon to do others dirty work. Look after your own interests and be firm, king and understanding with those around you. Enjoy your teens it is the most interesting and novel period you will go through if you let it be so

    Stop reading books on medical health problems, the problem you have is you are exploring your feelings, and changes that are going on in your body. Many of these changes especially joints etc can go on right through to your late twenties so all I will say is get used to the changes and strange feelings.

    If you are for any reason worried about your Health ask to be taken to see your GP and your Doctor will explain to you what is going on.

    You are young and I feel your GP will be very reluctant to give you any strong medications.

    If you are wanting to control your concerns, try MINDFULNESS a Relaxation Technique and Breathing Exercises. Explanations below

    Stop worrying

    BOB

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