15 Signs of Social Anxiety Most People Don’t Understand »

anxiety

14. Having a Small Circle of Comfort

Dating or having any social life is a challenge with social anxiety. For instance, the other person will quickly pick up that there are only a few places you can go where your anxiety doesn’t make the event unbearable. Some folks can go to the movies, but they need to sit in the back row for a quick escape.

Others may go out to eat, but only if they sit close to the door and have a planned escape route. Your anxiety levels dictate what you can and can’t do, so you develop a circle of safety that includes people and places. You can’t go beyond this safety net, or it will cause significant discomfort and a possible full-blown panic attack.

15. Social Anxiety Might Cause Rapid Speech

Do you tend to talk fast when you’re in social situations? You’re nervous, and your speech rate increases because you’re having a challenging time articulating. The incapacitating fear that you feel can make your voice squeak like a mouse, or you can talk so fast that people have a hard time keeping up. It’s certainly a sign that folks don’t understand, but you must think hard and try your best to slow down when you speak.

Final Thoughts on Recognizing the Primary Signs of Social Anxiety

There are many things about an anxiety disorder that people won’t understand until they experience it for themselves. No matter how hard you try to explain things, it just doesn’t make sense to someone who’s never had their heart racing, sweating profusely, and needed alone time to calm down.

The good news is that you don’t have to suffer from this mental health condition, as there are many treatment options available. Many folks will have social anxiety problems when they have other issues in their lives, but it will quickly leave as soon as it comes. However, others may struggle with it for life, but they learn effective ways to manage it.

First, exposure therapy is a great way to combat these feelings. However, it’s recommended that you don’t do this alone. You need a therapist or support person to help you should your anxiety reach its peak. Second, meditation is a great way to calm the body and mind and release some pressure to build your tension.

Lastly, you might want to avoid listening to the news and reading social media news highlights if your fears are trauma-based. If you suffered a horrific event, anything that triggers such memories could increase your anxiety. You don’t have to suffer from this condition, and there are trained professionals that want to help.