Do I have social anxiety disorder?

Question

I recently obtained a job as a Loss Prevention Specialist at Target, I have to stay near the door and make sure no one tries to steal anything and stuff like that. My problem is that I get horribly anxious everytime I have to do a receipt stop, or anytime the EAS alarm thingies go off and I have to stop a guest. I know what I should say but when I start to talk to them I get terribly nervous and am never as assertive as I need to be in the situation. It usually comes out okay but I don't do well. My friends always tell me that when I get done with a receipt check I'm always blushing and sweating pretty badly and I hate it.

Also anytime I have to speak in front of people at group huddles or anything, despite knowing these people very well by now, I get nervous, my voice gets shakey and I can just feel my face turning red.

It worries me, I really want to do well at this job since my goal is to be a police officer, but if I have these issues doing simple receipt checks and talking in front of 5 people then I'm definitely going to have issues being an officer. Do I have an anxiety disorder or something? What can I do?

Answer 1

Practice makes perfect. With time, you'll get used to all the things you get nervous about. Just relax.

Answer 2

Same thing happens to me and I'm 40 years old.  It just started about 8 years ago.  I just avoid situations that I know will make me do that but I know that's not the right thing to do.

Answer 3

DEAR Z :

Greetings and luv to u.

Hey when u r in security u should be knowing that it is your duty to be cautious all the time and u sh never get nervous 24 hours of the day.That is what the world expects of u!!. But there are some jobs and some office atmospheres / environs which r not trust worthy, and there may be thieves  inside the office itself in hiding.Protected by stupid bosses sometimes.  Today criminals inside offices in white collar jobs can thrive comfortably protected where as to be a clean security man is difficult indeed.Of course  it depends  on individual case study .and cannot be applied to all cases.

In such contexts , it is better to think of quitting such UNDESIRABLE UNHEALTHY jobs.

ALWAYS AVOID JOBS AND SITUATIONS THAT ARE REPETITIVE AND ARE UNPLEASANT. BECAUSE IN  THE LONG RUN IT DAMAGES YOUR PSYCHE AND UNNERVES YOUR LIFE

VISIT my site <<sunflowerdance.com>> for removal of stress and for strengthening your mind to avoid anxiety. More will come by email if u like my kind of straight dealing and advice in case of need.

If your voice gets shaky then the voice of the criminal who comes in will EAT u.(dontpanicplease)

U ought to be ASSERTIVE AND BOLD IN VOICE AND MANNERS,. AND PUT YOUR RIGHT STEP FIRMLY ON THE GROUND AND WALK(like < fidel castro >says..)

Maximum what will happen if things go awry or wrong!!

Tell yourself that NOT all will be lost if things go wrong.

You will be intact my dear, things will happen all around u and

some Old will ever happen to u or me that should be the feeling.

And how could  u want to become a police officer.!!! in such a condtn

What is your age?? You must be below 25yrs.

See some Old Wstern Cowboy movies and see they bring courage to their faces in theface of challenges...

talk to all the visitors freely happily cheerfully but at the same time keep an eye,ear, etc  for security without revealing it at all.

Donot violate laws dont cross yllow lines,when people press u to do so.

REMEMBER in security YOur voice should be stern, GRUFFY, clear  and coarse and not like that of a monessory teacher.

Strengthen your mind and voice so that people who come to u should RESpect u and then talk to u.

WISHING U ALL THE BEST IN YOUR CAREER AND LIFE

-- param of sunflowerdance.com

  

Answer 4

You may have one.  I have Social Anxiety Disorder and what you describe sounds familiar.  But what you need to do is talk to your doctor or see a psychiatrist so you can be diagnosed, if you do have it.  Once diagnosed, your psych. will discuss with you the plan of action you should take.  That may include therapy, meds, or other methods that you both agree with.

Answer 5

Long ago I was just like you. I would stutter like crazy if I had to get up in front of the class.   Now I can't be shut up and can get up in front of any size audience with no nervousness at all.  It took a few acting classes and that was that.  

Anytime you feel that fear just realize that you are always in control of any given situation.  Starting a new job and being a bit insecure is normal.  If people sense fear in you, they will take advantage.  

Think before you act or say anything.  Get a few repetitive lines memorized.  Before you know it, it will be old hat.  

Take a community college acting class.  It's fun.

Wait till you are no longer fearful and THEN become a police officer because panic in that job could cost you your life or that of others.

God Bless.