What are the symptoms of social anxiety?

Being 26 years-old and never having been on a date. That's me right there. I really hate when people claim they're shy and timid, but they've got a boyfriend/girlfriend... You won't have one if you are shy. That's all.

I've had horrible anxiety and panic attacks since I was 15. I am 20 now and if you have bad social anxiety, definitely think about talking to a psychiatrist. I did not feel better until I started taking the antidepressent effexor xr. It works well with people that have any kind of anxiety. Here are symptoms of social anxiety; People with social anxiety usually experience significant distress in the following situations: Being introduced to other people Being teased or criticized Being the center of attention Being watched or observed while doing something Having to say something in a formal, public situation Meeting people in authority ("important people/authority figures") Feeling insecure and out of place in social situations ("I don’t know what to say.") Embarrassing easily (e.g., blushing, shaking) Meeting other peoples’ eyes Swallowing, writing, talking, making phone calls if in public

When it comes to anxiety, symptoms can be very unique to the individual. Some people start to have rapid heart rate, sweaty palms, tight chest, lump in their throat, I want to run away feeling, etc... Reversing the symptoms you can't do, but you can overcome them. I'm not sure what symptoms you feel and I not sure how you handle them, but you wouldn't be putting this question out here if it wasn't a problem. The first thing you need to do is realize that you are creating the feeling you are having. Being in a social environment is not causing you to feel this way, you are feeling this way about the social environment. In other words, if you are creating your emotions/feelings, then they can't hurt you right? Does that make sense? How do you get past this? ACCEPTANCE. Learn to feel what you are feeling rahter than becoming victimized by the feeling. When someone tries to stop smoking, they go through a whole array of emotions and feelings. The only reason they will pick up that cigarette again is because they are not alright with feeling bad. They want it to go away, so they smoke a cigarette to avoid or hide the feeling. Learn to accept feeling bad(angry, scared, resentful, vulnerable, etc...). The day you learn to accept feeling bad, is the day you can accomplish anything. Experience the feelings you get in a social enviroment and define them to yourself. "When I am in a social enviroment, I feel__________(lump in my throat, tight chested, feel like crying, foggy, etc..." Define them to yourself. This gives you control over your feelings. If you have to start with baby steps, then take it a little at a time. I hope that helped.

Causes Of Anxiety Attacks I think this can help you with finding out what you have this is a book where you can read about it. # Learn to avoid making the one mistake almost everyone makes during a panic attack episode. # Causes Of Anxiety Attacks # Learn how what you eat and how you exercise today will effect the power and intensity of your next panic attack. In addition Panic Away outlines the foods, the correct exercises along with some massage pressure points that will completely eliminate all background anxiety. # Having the belief to trust your body is not in any danger whatsoever. Never fearing to leave your home or to be alone. # Make appointments or socialize with people and never again dread you might have to leave unexpectedly half way through. # Give a speech or presentation without any concern of having a panic attack. # Feel confident to fly, drive or travel by any means you choose without concern. # Stop nocturnal panic and anxiety that can keep you up at night. Be free from unsettling thoughts that can encircle your mind. # One-on-One Coaching Sessions

You fear being judged or criticized by other people, which causes you to either avoid public situations or endure them with a lot of dread or anxiety. Some of them fear nearly every social interaction, for others it's one single thing, like speaking in front of a group of people.

Here's a link that may help you - http://socialanxiety.factsforhealth.org/