social anxiety symptoms
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Social anxiety symptoms

ByDr. Cheryl Mathews

→ Previous: 9 factors

→ Next: Why is my body doing this?

Every individual is unique and may have different symptoms (or combinations of symptoms). Here are some typical social anxiety symptoms:

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    Feeling awkward
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    Self-focused awareness (focusing on how you're performing vs. other person)
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    Mind going blank and difficulty concentrating
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    Freezing ("deer in the headlights syndrome")
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    Desperate need to escape the situation
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    Blushing
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    Sweating
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    Heart racing and rapid heart rate
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    Shortness of breath
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    Trembling or shaking
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    Abdominal distress / diarrhea
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    Nausea
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    Dry mouth
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    Tense muscles
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    Stuttering
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    Numbness
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    Feeling of detachment or being out of touch with yourself
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    Hot flashes or chills
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    Headache/pressure in the head
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    Excessive swallowing
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    Choking
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    Urinating

This is not an exhaustive list. Some individuals with social anxiety report other symptoms. For example, laughing is a symptom that some individuals experience.

What are your symptoms? Feel free to comment at the bottom of the page.

How to overcome social anxiety

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