Do I have social phobia?

Question

also known as social anxiety disorder. i've been reading online, and all of the symptoms seem to describe me. I've always thought I was just shy/insecure/not confident..but i guess not. I have trouble being myself in small groups, I get really shy and am afraid to talk, thus making it hard to meet new friends. Around my few very close friends and family, I'm outgoing and crazy..but then in school I'm always quiet. In class half the time I know the answers to everything, and have opinions, but am to scared to raise my hand. I avoid the teacher calling on me, and if they do I blush and my heart beats really fast and I sound really nervous. When invited to parties I get really awkward and nervous, and most of the time I just avoid them all together, I just don't like social things like dances, but I'll go sometimes (and won't have any fun). I always feel like people are watching me, like walking through the cafeteria I always cross my arms and feel so insecure. And the thing is, i'm not like a geek/nerd, so I really have no reason of being so self consious and shy..I just need to open up. I really don't want this to ruin the rest of my high school years. I'm SO SICK of being shy around other people, I want to be confident, and i know it's not really "me." Is this social phobia??? HOW CAN I BECOME MORE OUTGOING???????????

Answer 1

It's time to get out of your comfort zone.

It might be really hard for you first. You'll feel scared, insecure, and want to go back in the shell your hiding in. But it's worth it. RAISE YOUR HAND IN CLASS. even if your scared. Just do it. It's not like you don't know the answers! The more you speak out, and get used to it, the more you won't have to worry about this anymore. When you get invited to parties, GO TO THEM. Just pretend your with your small group of friends or family. When you have an opinion about somthing, SAY IT. Don't be afraid of people! What is there to be afraid of? You just have to get used to being social, once you're used to it, being sociable is so easy and fun!  

Answer 2

Yes, it sounds like social anxiety. The issue isn't that you're not outgoing, it's that you're hardwired to have difficulties in social situations. Please see a psychologist. I put it off for a long time and it only got worse. You have to realize why this is happening and how to successfully treat it.

Answer 3

I've known a lot of people in their teens who feel uncomfortable around people they don't know.  I've known some teens who couldn't eat in public.  I was shy as a teenager as far as speaking out in class, etc.  As I grew older and took classes, it became natural for me to speak up and offer comments.  If you realize that a lot of other people are feeling just like you and some maybe even worse than you feel, that might help.  You're not alone.  

Answer 4

I was like that my freshman year, and I was tired of it too, I always though people we're going to make fun of me if i answered the question, or even if i asked to go to the bathroom. Don't be afraid to be who you want to be, your probably an awesome person, just try to open up and not be afraid to say your answers in class. When you see someone you know in the hallway, wave or say hi to them, cause after that they'll start talking to you and then you'll gain confidence every time a new person talks to you.

Answer 5

You may be shy and have some social anxiety, but it's not a phobia.  People who have real phobias (as in how phobias are diagnosed, not the common definition of phobia), feel like they are going to die if they are exposed to the trigger.  For example, people who have a phobia of birds will have difficulty breathing, feel that they are having a heart attack, and will do ANYTHING they can to get away from birds, even if it means that they don't leave the house.  You sound insecure and shy.  Try doing things that you're good at.  Take up a hobby to build your pride in your abilities.