Worrying is a natural part of life. It is normal to feel some nerves or a general sense of excitement when you are stepping out of your comfort level. But when worry takes over and feels debilitating, it could be an indication of anxiety.
An estimated 15 million adults live with social anxiety. And many are living without an anxiety diagnosis.
Now you might be wondering, "do I have social anxiety?" And you might. But how do you know if it's time to get screened for social anxiety disorder?
In this article, we'll take a closer look at social anxiety symptoms. Here are 5 signs that you might be living with social anxiety disorder.
It's normal to feel uneasy in social situations. But if you find yourself consistently avoiding social situations out of a fear of being judged or rejected, you may have social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is an intense fear of being negatively perceived in a social setting. The disorder also causes people to fear appearing awkward, boring or anxious in public.
Here are 5 signs of social anxiety from Cupid's Light, If you have experienced these signs, it might time to get getting screened for the disorder.
Those who have social anxiety disorder have an immense fear of meeting new people. They will avoid talking to strangers at all costs. Something as simple as talking to a cashier, starting a conversation or going on a first date becomes a source of dread. This fear can also manifest physically through blushing, heavy breathing, or drawing a blank mid-conversation.
If you have avoided eating and drinking in front of people because you are afraid of making a mess, you may have social anxiety.
Eating and drinking is a trigger for many who live with social anxiety.
Using a public restroom can also trigger symptoms for those living with social anxiety disorder.
The fear of having to go to the bathroom in an unknown setting in the presence of others can cause people to avoid using a public restroom whenever possible.
There are many reasons to experience social anxiety disorder, but those who possess the following risk factors are more likely to experience symptoms.
-If you can relate to these things and think you might have social anxiety disorder, you should get screened.
-Family history of social anxiety disorder
-Insecurities about appearance
-A new and unfamiliar social setting
-A history of negative social experiences in life (childhood bullying, or trauma)
-Other medical conditions. For example, you may ask, "can low testosterone cause anxiety?" It can.
If you've ever wondered, "do I have social anxiety?" and you relate to any of these 5 signs, it might be time to get screened.
While these signs might indicate social anxiety disorder, you should book an appointment to discuss the symptoms with your doctor.
Visit the health section of our website for more advice like this.