is this social anxiety disorder?

Question

So I dont like talking to people I dont know on the phone. I find it hard to give strangers eye contact. I have to have my money ready before going to the till in a shop so I dont hold people up because if I do I feel like theyre judging me and I feel like I want the ground to swallow me up. If I get on a busy bus Id rather stand than sit next to a stranger so Im not invading their space, I have very low self esteem, I only let loose and be myself when Ive had a drink, As a kid if I had to read out to the class or do a presentation to the class I would become stuttery and shake and a lot of the time I would try to talk my way out of doing it even if it meant I got into trouble. I find it hard to make new friends and open up to people and I often worry that I annoy those around me, including friends. Im almost positive I have social anxiety disorder but I would like others' opinions. I have asked a doctor about but stupidly she didnt know what it was.

Answer 1

The Social Anxiety Institute has a lot of resources. Their explanation is here:

https://socialanxietyinstitute.org/what-is-social-anxiety



This self-help web site has more:

http://www.helpguide.org/mental/social_anxiety_support_symptom_causes_treatment.htm



Yes, it is POSSIBLE, based on your description. Matches the description. And sounds familiar. I've had it and was diagnosed.



About the doctor you asked: If you asked a general practitioner, someone not specialized in mental health, they won't know the phrase. Psychologists, psychiatrists and psychiatric nurses are trained to know and treat it. But medical doctors not specializing in mental health (psychiatrists) aren't trained in psychology. They know a lot about treating the body, but not the mind.



If you have it, there are things you can do to make the symptoms lessen. Read the two sites, and find more. It's a battle to change, but worth it; and possible. I'm not like that any more, but I was.

Answer 2

Eliminate Social Anxiety And Shyness - http://tinyurl.com/680wdmTtEf

Answer 3

There’s no doubt that you have Social Anxiety Disorder. I’m very sorry you do. I know it’s not fun. People will never understand and you’ll always feel different.