Do you get nervous during everyday social interactions? You may suffer from social anxiety disorder.

The Mayo Clinic says, “Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition that causes an irrational anxiety or fear of activities or situations in which you believe that others are watching or judging you. You also fear that you’ll embarrass or humiliate yourself.” Social anxiety disorder occurs when an individual has extreme fear, anxiety, and self-consciousness when performing everyday interactions. When someone suffers from social anxiety disorder, he or she may avoid public situations with acquaintances while at a party or even while just performing everyday, basic tasks.

Symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
• Intense fear and anxiety in social situations in which you don’t know people
• Fear of people judging you
• Constantly worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
• Fear that others will notice your anxiety
• Anxiety that interferes with your daily routine, work, school, and other daily activities
• Fear of speaking in public out of fear of embarrassment
• Avoiding circumstances in which you might be the center of attention

Physical signs of social anxiety disorder include: blushing, profuse sweating, trembling, shaking, nausea, upset stomach, difficulty talking or shaky voice, tense muscles, confusion, diarrhea, cold and clammy hands, and difficulty making eye contact. Someone who suffers from social anxiety disorder may also be affected by poor social skills, low self-esteem, trouble being assertive, and hypersensitivity to criticism.

It is estimated that nearly 15 million adults in the United States are affected by social anxiety disorder. For more information on social anxiety disorder, contact Solace Counseling. We offer a variety of treatment options to help you or your loved one on the road to recovery.