Does this sound like anxiety or is it normal?

[Isabel552]

Every time I'm out I get really uncomfortable feelings around other people, and feel pretty self-conscious. I get paranoid that they are thinking negative things about me, are thinking that I look vulnerable, and especially that they can notice my uncomfortable feelings. The following is a list of physical sensations that I get:  Shortness of breath, breathing is limited. Get really nervous that others can tell.Feel upset, like I'm going to cry for no reason.

Saliva in my throat, my voice gets really constricted. It makes me feel pathetic and weird, and I feel like I look really childish, which makes me feel even more upset and self-conscious. I'm also scared of eating and drinking in public because the tightness in my throat might be visible. 

Feeling airy/like a space cadet/jittery. 

Feeling anxious during conversations, can't continue theme.

Difficulty concentrating on tasks because i'm so self-conscious and aware of what other people are doing. Most of my energy is spent on looking normal, friendly and nice, and trying to hide my symptoms and avoid looking weird.

- Smile a lot for no reason, feel very embarrrassed

- Jolty, random head movements.

- Fidgeting with my hands and moving my arms in bizarre ways when I'm uncomfortable in public, playing with my hair.

-  I get extremely anxious/guilty over having said the wrong thing in social interactions (either something stupid, or unintentionally nasty). I think about these for most of the day sometimes, and feel very mortified.

- I try to hide/keep a low profile as much as possible because I'm scared that others will notice me and think that I look weird.

- Go to the bathroom regularly to make sure that I look normal, or to get away from other peoples' gaze.

- Get a feeling that feels like my heart is sliding down my chest coupled with hot flushes - like a feeling of dread, for most of the day on most days.

- Freeze up in public spaces, try to keep to self, worried that I look weird, worried that others will approach me/notice me, very aware of other peoples' presence.

 - Stiff legs when walking on pavements or crossing the road - very self-conscious that people in cars are staring at me/can notice me.

Does this sound like anxiety or am I over-reacting?

[sociallyawks]

The first half of your post sounds a lot like how I feel in social situations. Except with me I find I dont smile and I get sefl conscious that I aren't smiling and that people must be thinking Im unhappy. Then occasionally people will say to me 'smile' which makes me more self conscious about it.

 For me its mostly in a bar or nightclub or just meeting someone new in a social setting. Work settings usually are ok as I have a purpose to being there but socially I freeze up. 

I also do over analyse how I performed and then criticise myself for how I could have done better. 

I am here for the same reason you are so would be interesting to see what other responses you get. 

 But know that I know exactly how you feel

[Zeal]

Hi Isabel,

I can relate to some of your symptoms and ways of thinking. I don't feel this way anymore, but I did for years. I was awkwardly shy, didn't like talking in groups, and got anxious just walking in front of others. I worried that people were staring at me or thinking I was strange. I walked stiffly too. I would speak too quickly to others in social situations, which meant they often couldn't understand me. So I would avoid speaking up socially, and also in class. I have always found it difficult to concentrate.

I used to be jittery and nervous in normal social settings, like dinners and small birthday gatherings for friends. I hated being late for school chapel service, as I felt as if everyone was staring at me and judging me. I have overcome these feelings now - I think I just needed time to understand myself and to feel confident with who I am.

I'm now studying psychology and volunteer with kids who have intellectual disabilities. I love helping others who struggle because they are different. Though you can never know exactly how someone is feeling or what they're going through, I feel I can relate to how you're feeling and how some others I encounter are feeling.

Sociallyawks can also relate to how you’re feeling. You are definitely not alone in this 🙂

What you are describing sounds very much like Social Anxiety. You may have what is called Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD) as well. I recommend going to your GP and talking to them about your situation and how you feel. They can refer you to the right psychologist or counsellor.

Best wishes,

SM