I think I have social anxiety disorder...?

I think it onset at around age 20 or so... I was always pretty laid back, but fine and able to be myself around all my friends. I've always had fear of public speaking, though. But, around age 20 or so, I started getting intense fear when I thought I was the center of attention... more in situations where people were actually facing me (e.g., at a card table playing poker). Also, I get anxiety at places like parties where I already have anxiety, then my symptoms (nerveousness, redness, sweating) of that anxiety actually make me want to not talk to people even more. Then, I think that everyone is noticing these symptoms and notices that I'm just standing around not talking to anyone. Then, I will either escape the situation (hang in the bathroom or go back and forth to the car) or I will start talking about some stupid crap so that I don't look so anxiety-ridden, but then my anxiety shows through, and I probably look whacked.

I think I have social anxiety disorder...?
Go to your GP. They will tell you the best course of action, whether it be medication, a referral to a psychiatrist, or a recommendation for counselling.





Good luck.





Edit: Social anxiety and other mental illnesses ARE illnesses, and I think it's irresponsible to claim otherwise. There are treatments that work, so why should people have to suffer just because they don't have obvious physical evidence of their illness? Mental illnesses are brain disorders, and as such they are serious, and people who suspect they have them should seek help. Mental illnesses have mortality rates, just like physical illnesses do. I can not STAND people who tell others that their mental illness is nothing, or that it's been created by drug companies just so they can make more money. Who cares if people make money, as long as ill people get better?





To the asker: please ignore anyone who tells you that your illness is not real. They're talking bullsh*t. Please get help.
Reply:Maybe its only a phase in your life then go back how it was again... dont worry, be urself, only...


If you dont have the mood be with persons dont be, dont care abt what ppl think abt you...


Anxiety appears sometiems for some misterious reason and can disappear sudlenly.


I advice not taking drugs or other things ..anything.. bcs it only get worse..


Talk with someone you can trust to help you with words, and have faith in yourself, as says the song:





"only you can feel the rain, nobody can feel for you""





Be brave and all will be better soon
Reply:You think you do but you DON"T. You fear that you will make a fool of yourself around friends. Social Anxiety is nothing but fear. It's called a disorder because that is what the medical industry wants you to think so you can go to the doctor and get medication= $$$ching ching for them. What should be done is just be yourself. Speak what you want, do what you want, and do not care what others think. It's good to care for others but your is like a fear that has turned into a disease.








Next time when you are with friends, or become nervous, say this:


" I am with friends, with people that I know, there is nothing to be afraid of, I should enjoy myself."


" People are looking at me, because they want to talk to me, they enjoy my presence."


" I should not fear public speaking because my words will impress people, will inspire people.





Just be yourself.





Just be you. Will you let fear rules your life or will you rule your life?





I believe your dark days will end soon. I believe in you. You should believe in yourself too. Everything that I have put here I have put sincere thoughts into them
Reply:One solution is to go somewhere that nobody knows you, and deliberately make an utter fool of yourself: put on a paper hat, and scream out: "I'm king of America!", or something else ridiculous, then get back in the taxi (warn the driver of your intentions, first), or car, and leave. People will point, and say: "Look at that idiot". But, you're probably not up to the stage where you can do that, yet (I can, and I used to be shy). Regard it as your final test: once you have accomplished it, the barrier will be broken; just don't go too far, the other way! Learn to laugh at yourself, and give a big, cheesy grin when others see you do something foolish, as we all do, occasionally. It will endear others to you, if you don't do it too often. See shyness/social anxiety, and self confidence, in sections 9, and 38, at http://www.ezy-build.net.nz/~shaneris