Do I have Social Anxiety or something else?

Question

I'm afraid of going out because of being judge by other people. When I do go out I tend to sweat alot even though It's not hot and I can't seem to think correctly and end up getting nervous. It's hard for me to make eye contact with people or even look them in the face. I don't wear my glasses to avoid seeing people well. So they are blurry in a distance. And I'm overweight as well which I think that's what is causing it but not sure. I do exercise's like running and such but then get all unmotivated and depress. And I'm really worried about the upcoming round having to go pick up my schedule for senior year. I'm 17 by the way.

Answer 1

you probably have social anxiety, or social avoidant disorder. or even both.

i have both, and i can relate to you 100%. i don't like going anywhere because i think everyone that looks at me, is looking at me because i am ugly, or because they think i am weird. if i ever say anything, like if someone says hi to me, i feel really stupid when i say hello back, like my voice is stupid.

im almost 23 now, but when i was younger it was horrible. i skipped school all the time, even in junior high. i only attended school up until the 10th grade. i am very smart, so school was never a problem, it was just the people in it that made me feel uncomfortable. i was even student of the year in 5th grade. they only pick one student out of the entire school to give that to, and i was picked due to the fact that i excelled faster than most of the other kids.

this is my advice to you - a lot of it is in your head. you are just as important as anyone else in this world! just because you may be overweight, doesnt mean youre any different. hell most of the united states is over weight lol. there is pills that can help, but it's hard to get them, due to emberassmant. i really feel your pain, being that you and i are very similar. feel free to send me a message any time, i will always reply and be a friend to you if you ever need someone. my name is kelly. good luck, and take care :)

Answer 2

You may have social anxiety, or Avoidant Personality Disorder. There could be changes in your life that you could make that might help you. Think of the end goal in something to keep you motivated and to stick with those changes. Going to a doctor might help to find out what you have. Hope you figure out a way to address this. I seem to have anxiety too and I'm not too much older than you. The personality disorders usually can't be diagnosed until you are 18 though....good luck with senior year.

Answer 3

It sounds like you may have an anxiety issue and some self-esteem issues. I have been battling these things for over thirty years. The sad truth is there is no easy answer. I would suggest therapy. I take medication but even that doesn't work all the time. I think if you could identify what's causing your self-esteem issues, e.g. being overweight, and really got motivated to change that it would help. But I know it's hard. Often we don't feel like we are as "good" as other people. I assure you they too, have skeletons in their closets. They just don't show it. One piece of advice that helped a little was to "act as if". Just pretend your not shy. Make a promise to yourself that you will say hello to three strangers a day. Or two. Or even one. Just say your name and ask theirs. Short and sweet. There are many good books on the subject. For example, always remember and call people by their names. And remind them of yours. Don't expect anything from anyone, as often as not, they will let you down. (Unfortunately but true). I personally hate when people ask me a lot personal questions. Makes me feel uncomfortable. However, that's how the game works. Make a script of what you can say and ask of people along with follow up questions. Make them fairly harmless like the weather or sports or school. Like, "Have you been going to this school long?" "What do you think about our football team" "It may rain this weekend. Do you think it will affect the game?" Have alternate questions in case they respond thay don't follow sports or whatever. Like, "What do you think about our football team?", Answer: "I don't follow or like sports", If tru you can say you also have other interests. What are their other interests or hobbies. Keep asking questions. Not to pry but, you'd be surprised. People like to talk about themselves and it will make you very popular.
Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Yes. Again, at the risk of sounding like a broken record, there are techniques that are easily taught to you and that you can use effectively to manage these symptoms.

You may need medication for the anxiety in the beginning, but certainly there are a couple of ways to approach this.

Get help before you face the next year. It could be so much better!!

Karen

Answer 5

Go see your doctor, who can refer you to someone to help you get over your problems. There may even be more than one. Being a teenager is stressful enough, but actually gaining the confidence and ability to hold your head high is another. Being overweight is not the only thing people look at...if you are positive, fun to be around, and social they'll still like you. Be proud of who you are, don't hide behind it.

Answer 6

The good news is your problem can be solved. You describe mainly a behavioral problem based on a desire to avoid social situations probably because you lack confidence in yourself. I would stay away from habit forming anti-anxiety meds if possible.

If your weight is an issue, do all you can to reach your desired weight. That will help your self esteem tremendously. Learn to like yourself. You will be more comfortable around others and they will be more friendly to you as well.

Answer 7

Yes, you may have social anxiety or it may be panic disorder. Neither is anything to be ashamed of. It could just be you are a teenager. Most teenagers are unsure of themselves. Those that seem to be so sure of themselves are often faking it. Try deep breathing when you are anxious and if that doesn't work professional help may be in order. There is no shame in getting help from a psychiatrist. I do. I get prescriptions to help with my panic disorder. Oh yeah, avoid caffeine and tobacco, they will make you anxious.

Answer 8

Hey.I know how your feeling i'm 19 and have been feeling the same as you since i was 16.It does sound like social anxiety.M,y doctor prescribed me sertraline(zoloft) for it.It's an anti-anxiety and also anti-depressant.It worked great for me and eventually things got easier when i was going out alone.

You should ask your doctor about it ,as it definately worth a try,

Good Luck !

Answer 9

issues................