Social Anxiety Support: Living with Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people wonder whether or not they have social anxiety disorder.  Just because you get nervous from time to time before a social event or speaking engagement doesn’t necessarily mean you have the disorder.  Here are some questions to ask yourself to determine whether or not you have the disease:

1.  Do you have persistent fears before a social situation that you will embarrass yourself and that “everyone will be watching you”?

2.  Do you get increasingly nervous in the midst of social interactions? Or does the anxiety dissipate once you get used to the situation?

3.  Do you believe or have you been told that your fear of social interactions and performance is excessive and unreasonable compared to others?

4.  Do you find yourself avoiding social or performance situations rather than enduring the anxiety that accompanies them?

5.  Do your fears increase in anticipation of most social situations or are they triggered by just a few specific situations such as public speaking or a job interview?

Obviously, these questions are not exhaustive when it comes to diagnosing social anxiety disorder.  But, if you answered yes to at least three of them you might have the disorder.  If you suspect you have social anxiety disorder seek medical advice as soon as possible.  Don’t get discouraged!  Remember, the disease is very treatable.