Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an individual's fear of social situations, extreme self consciousness, and simple anxiety of being in public or around new people. Also, individuals suffering from social anxiety believe they are always being watched and critiqued and because of this are very embarrassed of many of their actions even if they are not really being watched or critiqued.
Social anxiety does not affect all sufferers in the same way. In fact, some social anxiety sufferers simply worry and stress over certain social situations like speaking in public or eating in front of other people while some sufferers of social anxiety cannot encounter other people without feeling anxious, nervous, and self conscious.
Many times when an event is planned in the future, like a public speaking engagement, the social anxiety sufferer will worry and stress over the future event and practically drive themselves crazy. They may even skip work or school due to the fact that they simply cannot face social situations that day due to their social anxiety.
Other symptoms that accompany social anxiety include heavy sweating, including sweaty palms and feet, blushing, dry throat and mouth, difficulty finding voice, as well as nausea and stomach upset. Obviously, these symptoms are severe and can really affect a social anxiety sufferer even more so by making them more self conscious. So, the physical affects of social anxiety perpetuate the emotional and mental effects of social anxiety. Remember, social anxiety is a real disorder and a serious one at that so if you are suffering from social anxiety be sure to see your physician as soon as possible because there is help available.
What are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?
