Social Phobia

In browsing through this website I found myself fascinaed with the "Disorders" page and of what the many different types of issues consist.

I found one that caught my eye and I clicked it ... it turns out that I have found one phobia of which I have exhibited symptoms.

I have expirienced many symptoms of Social Phobia, but there are a few differences. While I do find myself somewhat comfortable with familiar people, I am less likely to perform freely infront of a smaller crowd of people that I personally know than when infront of a larger crowd of people I've never known. However, even before that latter crowd, I would find it very difficult to perform freely if I know that someone I do know is in that crowd ... even if they are there to support and encouraage me.

I also find myself unable to feel strong on my own in situations regarding meeting a girl, but I feel even worse if there are people I know or even friends around. I can't stand teasing or even talking about my having a girlfriend.

Does this stll fall in the category of Social Phobia?

honestly, I don't think so... but I don't know. I've experienced all of those and know that most of my friends have. It's a lot easier for me to risk an embarasing situation in front of people I never have to see again...not that that makes it easy.

none the less those sound like common problems/fears and it doesn't sound like anything to worry about...

just wondering, but are you trying to find something wrong with you? Sorry if that seems rude to ask, and feel free to not answer that...just something I was wondering.

No, I am not interested in anything being wrong with me. I was just browsing and that one condition just caught my attention and, since I have always had a history of poor communication and discomfort, I thought I would check it out. I was surprised to see these symptoms that I had and I was just curious.

I don't consider your question to be rude. I and many others have always suspected the possibility of psychological disorder of some kind, and yes I would like to know, but this is really a question of curiosity. Sometimes, curiosity doesn't kill the cat, just makes him look stupid.

VinAlex...first I want to say welcome to PC...and there are lots of aniety and/or phobias...sounds to me like you could be suffering from some kind of social phobia...being afraid of what others think of you (and especially people who know you) is a big part of social phobia...don't feel odd in asking about it...the phobia part comes in when you avoid situations like parties or get togethers because you are afraid of what others think of you...that is a good sign you may have it! avoiding....

I don't know how old you are VinAlex (I'm 56 :-) but your symptoms sound like I think of a lot of young people in their teens and twenties, especially single guys.

I think a lot of getting use to people/teasing, etc. is both personal preference and experience. I was raised in a family of teasers so I didn't have trouble with teasing (other than it can hurt and any/everyone should have trouble with that, that's not unusual) but I can see other people responding differently, if they got more teasing than they were able to deal with or are not use to it at all, they wouldn't be able to "stand" it. That's not a bad thing since teasing is most often a negative form of humor, up there with sarcasm.

I would rather be in a big group with no one knows me personally (like online) than a smaller one in person too. But that's just shyness and self-doubt and lack of experience. I think to be pathological you have to have your radar out for such situations and spend a lot of time and energy trying to avoid them at all costs. No way a person with a disorder is going to be caught "accidentally" in that sort of position, they're way ahead of the "problem" -- which is what becomes the problem, too trigger happy for the situation so they miss out on good things and growth as well as avoiding the bad things.

Just my 2 cents, I feel that when I read almost any forum on the different disorders I can toss myself into the mix. Its easy to convince yourself of things at times. But I would agree with the others you might have slight social anxiety, but suffering from severe myself I can tell you its nothing compared to a level that probley needs treatment. When it gets hard to leave the house, pump gas, grocery shop, and you find your self peeking from your blinds for the right moment to run outside to get the newspaper then you might want to seek medical attention. LOL, but even if its light, and if it does bother you it never hurts to talk to someone. Even if its all of us... special people! But like Perna stated if your young, it might just be natural anxiety of living in todays world.

Let us know how you feel, and if it gets worse make an appointment with a psych doc, not your physician. Who will I'm sure toss you a handfull of something. Even if you dont really need it.

Good Luck!

Mark