Do I have some kind of social anxiety problem?

Question

I'm 17, female, and I've always been considered a talkative, bubbly person. But sometimes I get nervous around people, especially if I think they're better or smarter than I am. For example, I'm going to University next year and I went along to the Open Day with my cousin who is a Psych student there. She was chatting away with a few of her friends that she introduced me to, and I stood there worried the whole time that I would say something stupid, weird or just completely the wrong thing. I felt really intimidated by these people, and I hated that I felt that way. I plan on studying Journalism at the University, and it's a competitive field, so I hate myself for being nervous around people. Does this sound like I have some kind of social anxiety issue?

Answer 1

i dont think you suffer from an anxity disorder...to me it just sounds like you let your nerves get the best of you, dont be worried so much on what other are going to think of you, just be yourself and you will probably be fine...i actually used to get like that when i was in school but i learned to just cool myself down.  

Answer 2

It doesn't sound like a social anxiety problem as it isn't pervasive across all interactions.  More likely it is a combination of two things.  One, your still an adolescent.  That stage of life is to determine who you are and where you fit into the world.  Your nervousness in some situations but not others may be based on not having a secure sense of self yet.  Your sense of fear in meeting new people is a good example of trying to determine 'how you fit in.'

All of this is normal for someone your age.  You won't hate yourself or your reactions to others once you determine who you are and where you fit.  It's a process of time and maturing, cut yourself some slack.

Good luck