Am I Just Overthinking or Do I Have Social Anxiety?

Is it agoraphobia or am I just overthinking?

Hello, doctor.
As the topic suggests, I would like to know if I have a condition (like agoraphobia) or if I'm just overthinking things.
I consider myself to be quite outgoing once I get familiar with people, but when it comes to unfamiliar or new individuals (such as classmates in a new class), I have the desire to connect but find it difficult to do so.
I often need to mentally prepare myself for a long time before I can speak, and in most cases, I end up not saying anything at all.
I once suspected that I might have social anxiety, but I don't feel extremely uncomfortable when speaking in public.
Compared to the situations described online regarding social anxiety, I rarely experience shaking to the point where I can't speak or feel overly nervous.
However, I have noticed that I feel fear in crowded environments; for instance, in a classroom with six unfamiliar people, I feel very uncomfortable and uncontrollably shake.
Additionally, I dislike going to stores or engaging in face-to-face shopping (like buying drinks at a convenience store or ordering at McDonald's).
Although I have forced myself to try going to convenience stores and have become somewhat more accepting of it, situations like ordering food or attending classes have not improved.
During class, I even experience cold sweats.
I'm unsure if I'm just overthinking (imagining an audience) or if I might have a condition.

Yuwěi, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/08/22

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry

Dear Yu Wei,
Social anxiety and fear are common issues among adolescents.
It’s clear that you have the desire to connect deeply with others, but it’s understandable to feel nervous before getting to know someone well.
I recommend that you seek an evaluation from a mental health professional to assess the level of your anxiety and receive appropriate support.
Wishing you a swift improvement.

Reply Date: 2020/08/22

More Info

It sounds like you are experiencing a range of emotions and thoughts that are causing you significant distress, particularly in social situations. From your description, it seems you might be grappling with social anxiety, but it's important to clarify a few points to better understand your situation.

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one might be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, where individuals may go out of their way to avoid situations that trigger their anxiety. Common symptoms include excessive worry about upcoming social interactions, physical symptoms like sweating or trembling in social settings, and a strong desire to escape from uncomfortable situations.

In your case, you mentioned feeling a desire to connect with others but finding it difficult to initiate conversations, especially with unfamiliar people. This hesitation can be a hallmark of social anxiety. Additionally, your discomfort in crowded environments and the physical symptoms you experience, such as sweating, suggest that your anxiety may be more than just overthinking.

However, you also noted that you do not experience extreme anxiety when speaking in front of groups, which can sometimes differentiate social anxiety from other anxiety disorders. It's possible to have a nuanced form of social anxiety where certain situations trigger anxiety while others do not. For instance, some individuals may feel comfortable presenting in front of a class but struggle with one-on-one interactions or small group settings.

It's also worth considering that your feelings of discomfort in social situations could stem from a combination of factors, including personality traits, past experiences, and perhaps even perfectionism or fear of judgment. You mentioned that you often engage in mental preparation before speaking, which can indicate a level of anxiety about how you will be perceived.

To address your concerns, here are a few recommendations:
1. Seek Professional Help: Consulting with a mental health professional can provide you with a clearer understanding of your symptoms. They can conduct a thorough assessment and help determine whether you meet the criteria for social anxiety disorder or if your experiences are related to other factors.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a common and effective treatment for social anxiety. CBT focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and gradually exposing you to feared social situations in a controlled manner.

3. Practice Exposure: Gradually exposing yourself to social situations can help desensitize your anxiety. Start with less intimidating scenarios, such as speaking to a cashier or engaging in small talk with a classmate, and gradually work your way up to more challenging interactions.

4. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Incorporating mindfulness practices, such as deep breathing or meditation, can help you manage anxiety symptoms in the moment. These techniques can help ground you and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.

5. Social Skills Training: If you feel unsure about how to engage in conversations or navigate social situations, consider seeking out resources or workshops that focus on developing social skills. This can boost your confidence and make interactions feel less daunting.

6. Connect with Supportive Individuals: Surrounding yourself with understanding friends or family members can provide a safe space to express your feelings and practice social interactions without fear of judgment.

Remember, it's completely normal to feel anxious in social situations, and many people experience similar feelings. The key is to recognize these feelings and seek support when needed. You are not alone in this, and with the right strategies and support, you can work towards feeling more comfortable in social settings.

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