Many people get a little nervous if they’re presenting to a large audience, or when they walk into a room where they don’t know anyone. This is considered a normal response to stressful social situations.

However, if you’re facing a regular struggle with self-consciousness, embarrassment or anxiety, as a result of how you feel others perceive you, you may be looking at a more serious condition, known as social anxiety disorder.

Take this quick quiz to determine whether you’re showing signs of this condition.

1.) Do you often expect the worst possible outcome in a given social situation? 

a. No, I don’t struggle with these kinds of thoughts.
b. Sometimes, but I’m usually able to stay rational about it.
c. Yes, I often struggle with this.

2.) Do you often spend time agonizing over your performance and interactions following a social situation?

a. Not really, no.
b. From time to time, especially if it was an important situation.
c. Yes, I often find myself doing this.

3.) How would you rate your stress levels, in general?

a. I’m rarely stressed, but when I experience stress, I’m able to manage my emotions relatively well.
b. From time to time, I feel somewhat overwhelmed by the stressors in my life, but I’m usually able to cope.
c. I struggle with stress, and my body suffers as a result. I experience headaches and/or exhaustion, a compromised immune system, lack of sleep, and a loss or gain in appetite.

4.) Have you experienced any of the following over the last year?

– Fear of situations in which you may be judged negatively.
– Agonizing over the possibility that you might humiliate yourself.
– Feeling very fearful of exchanges with people you don’t know.
– Worrying that your social anxiety will be visible to others.
– Going out of your way to avoid social situations.
– Making sure to avoid being the center of attention.
– Dreading imminent social activities or events.
a. I’m rarely stressed, but when I experience stress, I’m able to manage my emotions relatively well.
b. From time to time, I feel somewhat overwhelmed by the stressors in my life, but I’m usually able to cope.
c. I struggle with stress, and my body suffers as a result. I experience headaches and/or exhaustion, a compromised immune system, lack of sleep, and a loss or gain in appetite.

5.) Have you experienced any of the following over the last year?

– Upset stomach.
– Nausea.
– Muscle tension.
– Trouble catching your breath.
– Dizziness or lightheadedness.
– Feeling that your mind has gone blank.
a. No, none.
b. Yes, two or three.
c. Five or more.

6.) How does your mental health, in general, affect your relationships? 

a. It doesn’t trouble my relationships.
b. I often try to avoid company, because I’d really prefer not to deal with the stress of social situations.
c. I’ve lost friends due to the stress of dealing with people.

If you scored mostly As:
You don’t seem to be struggling with social anxiety disorder. Make the most of your relationships and spend time with your loved ones. Research has shown that our social connections and relationships keep us healthy and are an important contributor to living longer.

If you scored mostly Bs:
There are a few warning signs that you’re having a hard time with social events and when dealing with people. Try journalling about your experiences. This improves your self-awareness, and, if you need help, it can support a physician in identifying the triggers and assisting you in addressing them. It’s also  important to avoid alcohol and drugs, as well as caffeine, which can exacerbate the symptoms of anxiety. Make time every day to be still, practise wholesome thoughts and do some breathing exercises. If it doesn’t get better, don’t waste time; prioritise seeing someone who can help you.

If you scored mostly Cs:
Like many others, you seem to be having a hard time with anxiety, and under these conditions, it’s time to take control of the situation. Speak to a therapist or open up to someone you trust. The sooner you address the issue, the better the prognosis. This isn’t the time to try to deal with the issues on your own.

Disclaimer: This quiz isn’t a diagnosis. It’s simply a general guideline to some of the key values that keep mental health on track.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness

You and your immediate family have access to the ICAS EWP which provides an omnichannel point of access.

Written by LifeAssist