Could it be social anxiety disorder?

Question

Everyone tells me I'm very quiet. My dad tells me I'm not the best communicator in the world and I've had others tell me that talking to me is like talking to nothing.

Problem is I get nervous when people start talking to me and my mind goes blank. A lot of the time I always think about what i've said and think how i could have said something better. I'm a bit over critical on myself and get easily upset and down by other peoples criticism.

I also have had depression and insomnia for about 1 and a half now and I've always wondered why.

Answer 1

It could be, but are you afraid to speak to other people?  People who have SAD are really shy.  Check out this video for expert info on SAD.  

Answer 2

Sounds like you just lack confidence....

Try thinking about all the things you do well, and forget about the things you don't. Everybody excels at different things. Once you start liking yourself you will let other people in. Nobody is perfect so don't beat yourself up.  

Answer 3

i'm super quiet and shy myself, and blush for no reason.  But i've learned to realize that i don't have a disorder is just me and my personality.  don't be down on yourself cuz your not the only one :)

Answer 4

Yes it could definitley be social anxiety disorder. However, social anxiety is not only shyness but you dont go many places in public due to this disorder. So if you get nervous around people and it causes you to avoid public places I would have to say yes most definitley it could be SAD. I have an anxiety disorder and when my anxiety is bad or when I had to come off of my medication for a while due to being pregnant I had severe social anxiety and didn't leave my house. I'm on a low does of anti-anxiety medication called lorazepam and I also take prozac. It helps, but the fact is.. I'm on a low dose that really does nothing so most days like today I don't leave my bed.. Depression and anxiety are linked also. They have a lot of the same symptoms and seem to come hand in hand. Most doctors treat both instead of just one. Like me, I'm taking prozac which is mostly known for depression (helps NONE with my anxiety but is the only med I can tolerate) and lorazepam for my anxiety. Insomnia is a major symptom of both depression and anxiety. I have the opposite problem. I sleep too much. Sometimes I go to bed at 1AM and wake up at 1PM the next day and then take a nap.. I sleep so much because I don't want to deal with my disorder. Insomnia is much more common than oversleeping although both are side effects. So yes, it sounds very much so like anxiety whether it be generalized anxiety disorder or social anxiety. If you feel anxious even at home talking to your family I would say its GAD if you feel anxious only when you are in public or talking to people you dont talk to every day I would say SAD. Your best bet, and what saved me a lot of anxiety, is to go see a doctor and see if they suggest anything that could help you cope with anxiety. It is a very stressful disorder which is ironic because anxiety is chronic stress! Its a very common thing and you are not alone. I'm here to talk if youd like. I've only had GAD for a little over a year but it feels like 20 years! Good luck and I hope things get better for you!