Why Do I Feel Nervous In Social Situations?

Do you feel anxious about social situations in which you are exposed to possible scrutiny by others (e.g., performing in front of other people, communicating with someone)?

Are you afraid to behave in a certain way or show anxiety signs that will be judged negatively (e.g., afraid that your behavior will be embarrassing or offensive)?

Do social situations most of the time make you feel anxious or fearful?

Do you try to avoid social situations or suffer extreme anxiety during social situations?

Is the fear or anxiety out of proportion to the real threat presented by the social situation and to the sociocultural context?

Is the fear, anxiety or avoidance continuous and are you experiencing these symptoms for at least 6 months?

Does the fear, anxiety or avoidance of social situations provoke clinically significant discomfort or impairment in important areas of functioning?

Based on your answers, it is very unlikely that you have a serious problem with being nervous or anxious in social situations. It’s normal for all of us to feel nervous in some social situations. For example, giving a presentation in front of an audience can makes you nervous, or even an exciting event like going on a date. But when someone suffers from social anxiety, or social phobia, normal, daily interactions become a problem and cause anxiety, embarrassment and self-consciousness because of the fear of being judged by other people.

While it is unlikely that you have a social disorder, you are displaying one or more signs of social anxiety. Feeling shy or not comfortable in specific situations can be very normal. People experience different comfort levels; some people are more reserved than others. However, when someone struggles with a social anxiety disorder, the person will experience anxiety and avoidance that disrupts daily activities. Sometimes, anxious and nervous feelings may be linked to drug/medication use, or to panic disorder and autism. It can even be linked to obesity. It may be useful to visit your doctor to find out where your symptoms are coming from and what you can do to improve them.

Unfortunately, you are displaying several symptoms typically seen among individuals who have social anxiety. It may be essential to plan a visit to your doctor, especially if you avoid social situations because you are worried or if they cause embarrassment. Your doctor will determine what is causing the symptoms and if you are dealing with social anxiety, or maybe another mental health condition. Therapy can help you to change negative thoughts and how to get more confident in social situations. If social anxiety remains untreated, it can severely impair normal functioning.