Are you frozen in social situations, heart racing as you desperately try to appear 'normal'? Does the thought of certain interactions leave you strategically planning every detail—from keeping your phone handy as a safety net, to rehearsing conversations in your head?
Social anxiety affects millions, yet often goes unrecognised. It's not just about being 'shy'—it's about experiencing genuine fear and distress in social situations, whether that's speaking up in meetings, attending parties, or even casual conversations. The fear might be about embarrassment, appearing foolish, or facing rejection.
You might find yourself developing sophisticated coping strategies: avoiding eye contact, agreeing with others to stay 'safe', or always having a glass of water nearby as a prop. Some situations might feel manageable, while others trigger overwhelming anxiety—and that's perfectly normal.
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About Social Anxiety
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
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Worry about everyday social interactions e.g. calling a stranger, big groups
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Fear and worry about doing something that will be embarrassing, such as blushing, saying something 'stupid' sweating or seeming incompetent
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Finding it hard to do things when others are watching – you may feel like you're being watched and judged all the time. This could range from the everyday interaction, or public speaking.
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Avoiding eye contact or trying to control your amount of eye contact
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Fear of being criticised by others or certain people.
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Anxiety symptoms in social situations e.g. tension, sweating, blushing, shaking, panic attacks, stumbling on words.
You may use other terms
You might not relate to the above terms, and rightly so, as they are incredibly broad.
However, you might relate to one of the below…
Doing what others want, because that is less anxiety inducing than expressing your own opinion or pushing back.
People pleasing
Feeling low
Due to the stress social events cause, never getting to fully be you or connect with others meaningfully, leading to low mood.
Overthinking
After a social interaction, you replay the event over and over again trying to think about what you did wrong or what you said and whether that was weird/stupid etc.
Low self esteem
Low self esteem can lead to social anxiety, and social anxiety can exacerbate low self esteem, creating a vicious cycle.
Dating anxiety
You might be fine socially with friends, but once a fear of rejection kicks in on dates or with your partner, you find these situations anxiety inducing.
Self consciousness
Hyperviligence of how we come across, how we appear, what we are doing etc. in social situations.
