What Are the Signs of Social Anxiety?

About 12.1% of U.S. adults will struggle with social anxiety disorder at some point in their lives. It’s normal to get nervous in certain social situations; however, social anxiety is more than just getting a little anxious before a social gathering or being shy. Social anxiety occurs when you feel highly anxious every day through daily social interactions, which can ultimately hurt your mental health and overall quality of life. Unfortunately, many people that struggle with social anxiety may not even know they struggle with this condition. That’s why in this article, you’ll learn more about the common signs of social anxiety to look out for so you can better understand whether you are shy/ introverted, or are struggling with social anxiety.

Sanctuary Wellness provides mental health treatment in Tennessee so patients can better manage their mental disorder symptoms and regain control over their lives. Using several different mental health therapies and approaches, we ensure patients can receive the best possible care tailored to their unique recovery needs.

Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you on your recovery journey. 

Common Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety 

Sometimes it can be difficult to differentiate between being a shy or introverted person and struggling with social anxiety. It’s important to understand that shyness does not mean you struggle with social anxiety. If you suspect you or someone you know may be struggling with social anxiety, below are some common social anxiety symptoms and signs to be aware of:

• Sweating or shaking during social situations.
• Feeling nauseous or like your heart is racing during social situations.
• Not making much eye contact with others.
• Having stiff body posture when around other people. 
• Feeling extremely self-conscious in front of others.
• Feeling embarrassed or very awkward in front of others.
• Avoiding public places to avoid interacting with other people. 
• Feeling like your mind goes “blank” when around others.
• Feeling extremely worried other people will judge you.

If you’ve been wondering “what are the signs of social anxiety” it’s important to keep these above signs and symptoms in mind. Although there are different levels of social anxiety (i.e. mild, moderate, and extreme), in general, if you are experiencing negative psychological and physiological symptoms when in public spaces around others, chances are you may be struggling with social anxiety. 

Why Seeking Treatment for Social Anxiety is Important

Social anxiety can negatively impact nearly all areas of your life for the worse. From hindering your potential to form fulfilling relationships with others to interfering with your school or work performance and overall how you think and talk to yourself, social anxiety can significantly reduce your mental health and happiness. Below are some negative ways social anxiety can hurt your life. 

• You avoid fun and engaging social situations.
• Difficulty making and maintaining fulfilling relationships.
• Increased isolation and sense of loneliness.
• Lower self-esteem.
• Poor social skills with others.
• Increase your risk of substance abuse.
• Hypersensitivity to criticism.

It’s essential to stress social anxiety is more than having a shy personality or being an introvert. Social anxiety is a medical disorder; therefore, if you are struggling with social anxiety, it’s vital to seek professional mental health treatment to effectively manage your symptoms and regain control over your life for the better. 

Top-Rated Mental Health Treatment in Knoxville 

Now you know more about what are the signs of social anxiety. Social anxiety, left untreated, can significantly reduce your health and quality of life. Not only can social anxiety limit the number and variety of experiences you may try, but it can significantly limit the number and quality of relationships too. Unfortunately, many people who do not effectively manage their social anxiety symptoms may end up avoiding new experiences altogether due to the overwhelming fear of interacting with other people they do not know well. However, you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence with symptoms of social anxiety. 

At Sanctuary Wellness, we are a mental health and wellness treatment center committed to helping patients safely and effectively manage their mental illness symptoms and regain control over their life. No more avoiding certain social situations or reducing your quality of life because of your social anxiety. Contact us today to learn how we can help you lead a happier, healthier, more balanced life.