Social anxiety disorder is more than just being shy or introverted. It is accompanied by an extreme fear of social interaction and interferes with an individual’s daily activities.
Symptoms usually begin around age 13 and continue into adulthood. However, most people with social anxiety disorder wait at least ten years or more to get help. Anxiety and Depression Association of America.
This is mainly because many people with anxiety actually hide their social anxiety. This is when people actively hide their fears.
Common signs of hidden anxiety include:
- Worried about embarrassing or humiliating myself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking to strangers
- Fear that other people will notice that you look insecure
- Red face, sweating, trembling, trembling voice
Whether you think you might have social anxiety or someone you know might, some of the most common covert social anxiety symptoms is shown below.
7 Hidden Anxiety Signs and Symptoms
1. embarrassed
Whether they are about to meet new people or step into a social gathering, people with social anxiety often envision scenarios in which they feel embarrassed in front of others.
They worry that they will say or do the wrong thing and imagine that their actions will scare others.
2. Avoid judgmental situations.
Social anxiety makes you think, “People will think I’m an idiot,” or “If I mess up, everyone will think I’m a loser.” Because of their extreme fear of being cut off, they try to avoid uncertain social situations as much as possible.
3. I feel comfortable with only a few specific people.
Most people with social anxiety feel comfortable with certain people, such as best friends, parents, or siblings. Interacting with other individuals can lead to serious spikes in anxiety.
In many cases, taking a “safe” person to the grocery store or social gathering makes interaction much more difficult.
4. I worry that others will notice my fears.
Whether speaking up in a meeting or trying to make small talk with an acquaintance, people with social anxiety worry that their anxiety will stand out.
They tend to experience physical symptoms such as flushed faces, sweaty palms, trembling hands, and shortness of breath, and I’m sure anyone else can tell when they’re nervous.
5. THEY EXPERIENCE SPECIFIC SOCIAL FEARS.
Some people with social anxiety have a suppressed fear of public speaking. However, some people have extreme anxiety about writing in public or eating in public places. Many people with social anxiety are also afraid to talk on the phone.
6. Criticize Your Social Skills
People with social anxiety spend a lot of time analyzing social interactions. They replay conversations over and over in their heads and scrutinize their communications. They exaggerate their shortcomings and judge themselves harshly.
7. Their thoughts often become self-fulfilling prophecies.
Negative thoughts associated with social anxiety often turn into self-fulfilling prophecies.
People who think, “People always think I’m weird” may hold themselves to themselves in social situations. , may reinforce their belief that he or she is socially awkward.
How to get help
Social anxiety disorder is a highly treatable condition. Treatment, drugs, or a combination of the two often relieve symptoms.
If you think you have social anxiety disorder, talk to your doctor. Doctors can rule out medical problems that may be contributing to symptoms and, if necessary, recommend appropriate psychotherapy.
By recognizing these hidden social anxiety symptoms and seeking help, individuals can overcome the challenges of social anxiety disorder and live fulfilling lives.
Amy Morin She is a licensed clinical social worker, psychotherapist, university psychology instructor, and internationally recognized expert in mental strength. Her advice has been featured on Today, Good Morning America, Time, Fast Company, Success, CNN, CNBC and Fox News.
This article was originally published at: psychology today. Reprinted with permission of the author.
