Social anxiety can be hard to recognize — even when you are the one living with it every day. From the outside, it can look like you are just quiet and shy. But on the inside, your experiences can be much more intense. Many people describe social anxiety as a combination of fear and self-doubt that appears at the worst times.
Below, our behavioral health specialists in Munster, Indiana are going to explain what social anxiety can look like in everyday moments. When you know what you are feeling, you will find it easier to reach out for help or recognize when someone you care about needs help.
1. It feels like everyone is judging you.
If you have social anxiety, you are likely to overthink even the simplest social interactions. A small conversation probably replays in your mind for hours and you analyze every word you said. For most people, the root of this overthinking is usually a fear of being judged. It is the constant fear that others are looking at you and forming opinions about everything you do.
Behavioral health specialists in Munster, Indiana see this behavior in anxious people regularly. Many people describe feeling trapped in their thoughts as if their minds refuse to let go of even the smallest moment. Over time, this constant mental replay can make social situations extremely exhausting.
2. Your body suddenly feels shaky and sweaty.
Social anxiety can also manifest as physical symptoms. For example, you may be in a completely normal situation and suddenly your heart will start racing as if you have been running. You could also experience shaking hands or feel a tightness in your chest that makes it difficult to breathe normally.
What makes these experiences so unsettling is that they come out of nowhere. You know that you are not in danger, yet your body reacts as if you are. This mismatch between what you know logically and what you feel physically can be scary.
3. Avoiding situations is easier than facing them.
As social anxiety grows, it can start to influence the choices you make. What starts as a small hesitation can slowly become a habit of avoiding just about anything that feels uncomfortable. So, you may start turning down every invitation or telling your friends you are too tired to go out, even when a part of you genuinely wants to be with them.
Avoidance can look like the best solution in the moment. It feels safer and more predictable, which is why many people slip into this pattern. But as the days pass, the anxiety only gets stronger and the situations you avoid look even more intimidating than before.
Behavioral health specialists regularly see how this cycle affects someone’s life. For example, it can make you drift away from close friends or miss out on experiences you used to enjoy.
And eventually, all of this raises an important question…
When is it a good idea to talk to a specialist about your anxiety?
There comes a point when social anxiety starts getting in the way of your daily life. For example, if you suddenly stop enjoying things you love or find simple situations overwhelming. Because of your social anxiety, you may even struggle to ask a question or speak in front of others.
When fear limits your choices or makes your days harder, it may be time to reach out to a behavioral health specialist in Munster, Indiana. Many people wait because they feel embarrassed. Many also wait because they are worried that no one will understand what they are going through.
But social anxiety is common, and it can be treated. An experienced behavioral health specialist can help you learn why your anxiety manifests the way it does and teach you the best ways to manage it.
Looking for an affordable behavioral health specialist in Munster, Indiana?
Are you looking for a qualified behavioral health specialist in Munster, Indiana who can help you understand and manage your social anxiety? If so, our mental healthcare providers at 219 Health Network are here to help. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.