Signs That You Are Struggling with Social Anxiety
Throughout my work as a therapist, I have noticed that it is very difficult for clients to admit that they struggle with social anxiety in particular. There seems to be something especially shameful and stigmatizing about coming to terms with the idea that being around other people makes us nervous.
In reality, social anxiety is one of the most common types of anxiety, and we all struggle with it at some point in our lives. This blog post will delve into some signs that you may be struggling with social anxiety.
Physical Symptoms
Have you ever randomly gotten a stomach ache just before a party? Or maybe your chest feels extremely tense before work conferences? Perhaps you get a headache just before plans with friends? These could all be signs that your body is reacting to the anxiety and stress of being around other people. Take notice of these symptoms, especially if they occur more around people you do not know well.
Avoiding Social Situations
It is common to isolate yourself if you struggle with the exhausting symptoms of social anxiety. If you notice that you are bailing on your plans more, or skip out on events you genuinely enjoy just because you feel nervous about socializing, you may be struggling with social anxiety.
Being Quiet in Group Conversations
Hanging out in a group, especially with people we don’t know well, can be nerve-wracking. It is common for people to feel nervous that others are going to judge or scrutinize them, which can lead to a lot of overthinking what they say and do. This makes it pretty hard to figure out when to pipe into the conversation or what to say. Many people also feel pressure to say the perfect thing, so they wind up saying nothing at all.
Lots of Self-Criticism
If you constantly criticize yourself during/after social interactions, or feel like you are not good enough, it could be a sign of social anxiety. You may replay conversations in your head, worrying about every little detail and imagining that others are judging you. It’s common for these thoughts to take the form of rumination, meaning that you think the same thought over and over again.
Feeling a Strong Urge to Drink When Socializing
Does it feel excruciating to converse with others sober? Do you feel a compulsion to drink or use other substances when you are chatting with people at a party, networking event, or family gathering? Getting curious about this could be important, because it is actually one of the most common signs of social anxiety.
Do you resonate with any of these? If not, how does social anxiety typically show up for you? Remember that it is common and normal to feel anxiety when we are around other people, especially if these people are unfamiliar to us. However, if the anxiety feels like it’s affecting your ability to attend social events, it may be time to process this with a professional.
If you are interested in a free therapy consultation, reach out to me at eada@morningbirdtherapy.com!