Introduction to Social Anxiety

What is social anxiety disorder (SAD)?

Credit: Maaike Verwijs

''The intense fear of certain social situations: especially situations that are unfamiliar or in which you feel you’ll be watched or evaluated by others.'' - Helpguide.org 

The main jizz of SAD is the fear of being: scrutinized, judged, embarrassed in public.
Afraid of peoples judgement and that you won't measure up in comparison to others.
Even though you probably realize that your fears of being judged are at least somewhat irrational and overblown, you still can’t help feeling anxious.

Symptoms of SAD.

Emotional: Excessive self-consciousness, intense worry for days/weeks/months for upcoming social situation, extreme fear of being watched/judged by others (esp. strangers), fear that you'll act in ways that would embarrass or humiliate yourself, and lastly fear that others will notice you're nervous.

Physical: Blushing, Shortness of breath, nausea, trembling, shaky voice, racing heart, tightness in chest, sweating, hot flashes, dizziness, sweaty palms, decreased saliva flow, chocking sensation, muscular tension, heaviness of bladder and constipation.

Behavioral: Avoiding social situations, staying quiet or hiding in background in order to escape notice, need to always bring buddy along wherever you go, drinking before social situations in order to soothe nerves.

The SAD Cycle

Source: http://tohno-chan.com/

Sources: Information (Helpguide.org).