5 Main Symptoms of Social Anxiety

By: Emily Dominguez

In the middle of a social situation, one fears (or is anxious about) being conclusively described in a negative manner, or simply being hated/judged in any way. Approaching this discussion from self-experience, the disorder is quite insufferable; having the incapability of relishing previous enjoyable activities. In such circumstances, the human language is far too limited to completely narrate these emotions without experience, but these are 5 symptoms that social anxiety holds.

1. Stress

There is certainly more to this category than the simple emotional strain and/or pressure. They get embarrassed, hateful, and regretful over everything that they say, do, and dress in. And to reckon with these applied elucidations, attendance could be overwhelming; the anticipation and dread could cause tears, it’s stupid. (This stupidity I’m speaking of is not representing a shortage of intelligence, but preferably the lack of common sense.) Understand that it’s inevitable trusting something that damages and affects their life with such control as it constantly pressures them into submission.

2. Overthinking

Overthinking would also be found within an introvert (though, not every person who has this disorder is an introvert), but in this specific case, there is a certain line in which has been crossed. Overrunning past topics/memories about what they did, said, or didn’t say, how they should’ve done better and/or what they did wrong. These thoughts feast on their souls, going on and on about such gruesome remarks towards themselves; it’s nothing short of self-hatred.

3. Self-Hatred

To despise themselves in ways far worse than words can describe, only for that hatred to overfill and create false beliefs such as others hating/judging them as much as they do themselves. The mind forces them to decide others’ emotions of them, for them, not allowing anyone a chance to speak. This isn’t something as small as being embarrassed or nervous at times, it’s a bunch of calamities shoved inside someone’s confidence and to such an extent that it hurts.

4. Effects (Other Mental Illnesses, etc.)

This disorder can, too, act as a bridge to many other equally treacherous afflictions. Depression is a common effect: a state of dejection and melancholy. Panic/anxiety: a sudden sensation of severe anxiety. Eating disorders: abnormal eating habits (Anorexia, Bulimia, etc.)  Sweating, fast-heartbeat, trembling, blushing, crying; there are so much more, but there are far too many to count.

5. Exhaustion

With all these occurrences, how wouldn’t someone be exhausted? At first, the situation could be simple and reasonable (being in a crowd / talking to an acquaintance), only to later reach a point where they become unsure of themselves, uncomfortable doing the things they love, and possibly comparing themselves to others. They’re bound to be attacking every flaw they see, possibly making lies about themselves just to hate on it (subconsciously). It was just as unanticipated for the person under the pressure to fall into such negativity as any other, so who could blame them for wanting things to end?

The pressure of everything is devastating, so much so to the point of fatigue. All this could or has built up in someone’s train of thought, and there are many places and people that don’t take this into consideration. The word “shy” does not come close to describing it, so please don’t come quickly to label someone as so. They may already be suffering under the effects of Social Anxiety Disorder; a mental state that’s a cruel experience.