Can you be social and still have anxiety?
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For those with normal social anxiety disorder, all their symptoms reinforce their inability to socialize and communicate. People with high-functioning social anxiety do experience the same physical and psychological/emotional symptoms as other social anxiety sufferers, but usually at reduced levels of intensity.
Left untreated, social anxiety disorder can control your life. Anxieties can interfere with work, school, relationships or enjoyment of life. This disorder can cause: Low self-esteem.
Solitude. As much as those with social anxiety have a desire for connection, many also wish for times alone. When social anxiety overlaps with introversion, this can be a time to recharge batteries and gather strength for more interaction with others.
What having social anxiety feels like?
All socially anxious people have different reasons for dreading certain situations. But in general, it’s an overwhelming fear of: Being judged or watched by others in social situations. Being embarrassed or humiliated — and showing it by blushing, sweating, or shaking.
Is social anxiety real?
Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a mental health condition. It is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and your other day-to-day activities.
Prognosis: Untreated social anxiety disorder can become chronic and increasingly life-limiting. Over time, it can become more difficult to fight the phobia and maintain a normal life. With treatment, however, the prognosis is extremely positive.
Social anxiety disorder is not uncommon; research suggests that about 7 percent of Americans are affected. Without treatment, social anxiety disorder can last for many years or a lifetime and prevent a person from reaching his or her full potential.