Social Anxiety: Not Just for the Quiet

    I have struggled with social anxiety for almost my whole life, and when I tell people this, they are always incredibly confused. I come off as a very outgoing person. I love to talk and I can be very loud, and these are not the hallmark characteristics of someone who struggles with social anxiety. According to the The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, social anxiety can be defined as “intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.” Social anxiety looks differently for everyone, and it is important to recognize the diversity that comes with this diagnosis. When my social anxiety was at its worst, I would have to have someone else order for me at restaurants because it was too uncomfortable for me. I had no problems with public speaking, but being in social groups or interacting with new people made me feel physically sick. I have worked in therapy for a long time to get better with my anxiety, and now it goes pretty much unnoticeable. I can order my food at restaurants, conduct interviews, and even talk on the phone (sometimes). My anxiety in group situations still remains, and that is likely because I have struggled with it since I was a toddler. I’ve learned to appear relaxed, but oftentimes, I am very nervous in social groups. I like to compensate by talking a lot, which also gives people the idea that I am completely fine. Individuals with social anxiety are often portrayed as people who refrain from talking and public speaking at all cost. Some people do fit this mold, which is completely okay, but others do not. Everyone’s anxiety shows up in unique ways and we all have different methods of coping with it. You deserve care, even if you don’t “seem” socially anxious to most.


Works Cited
“Social Anxiety Disorder.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, ADAA, adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder.
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