Social Anxiety Disorder (or Social Phobia) is an anxiety disorder that describes an intense and often irrational fear of being humiliated or judged in social situations. Not to be confused with shyness, as sufferers are extremely self concious and often paranoid of others perceptions of them, their anxieties often leading them to avoid certain situations or show symptoms such as shaking, sweating, panic attacks, pounding heart, stuttering, hot/cold flashes, blushing and avoiding eye contact. Over-analysing during and after social situations, replaying events in search of negative actions or responses by others are also key behaviours.
Social Anxiety is often referred to as 'the disorder of lost opportunities', meaning people often miss out on job promotions, relationships etc because of their avoidance and general fear of rejection. A person with SA may find it difficult to make and maintain friendships and fear situations where they're not in control, often turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping method or to relieve symptoms. Although 8% of the population suffer with this condition, it is suggested that the percentage may be higher, as typically sufferers avoid seeking help and getting diagnosed, often manifesting into secondary disorders such as Avoidant Personality or Depression.
Social Anxiety is often referred to as 'the disorder of lost opportunities', meaning people often miss out on job promotions, relationships etc because of their avoidance and general fear of rejection. A person with SA may find it difficult to make and maintain friendships and fear situations where they're not in control, often turning to alcohol or drugs as a coping method or to relieve symptoms. Although 8% of the population suffer with this condition, it is suggested that the percentage may be higher, as typically sufferers avoid seeking help and getting diagnosed, often manifesting into secondary disorders such as Avoidant Personality or Depression.
Example of a person with typically moderate Social Anxiety Disorder:
The phone rings, Amy doesn't recognise the number and lets it go to answer machine. Her stomach drops and chest tightens as she hears an unknown woman's voice, it's from the job agency inviting her for an interview in a few days time. She has to call them back asap. For hours she puts off the call, as she sits by the phone trying to calm down and clear her head. Every time she picks up the receiver her mouth dries up and her heart races, hanging up in a panic before they answer. Eventually she calls them, rehearsing what to say as she waits for them to pick up, praying for it to go to voicemail. To her relief it does. After she leaves her message, she hangs up and a wave of relief and adrenaline floods over her. But then she remembers how she stuttered a little and had to restart her sentence, and how her voice sounded higher than usual due to her nerves. She expects the person who'll listen to her message to judge her negatively, and spends the rest of the day thinking about it.
The phone rings, Amy doesn't recognise the number and lets it go to answer machine. Her stomach drops and chest tightens as she hears an unknown woman's voice, it's from the job agency inviting her for an interview in a few days time. She has to call them back asap. For hours she puts off the call, as she sits by the phone trying to calm down and clear her head. Every time she picks up the receiver her mouth dries up and her heart races, hanging up in a panic before they answer. Eventually she calls them, rehearsing what to say as she waits for them to pick up, praying for it to go to voicemail. To her relief it does. After she leaves her message, she hangs up and a wave of relief and adrenaline floods over her. But then she remembers how she stuttered a little and had to restart her sentence, and how her voice sounded higher than usual due to her nerves. She expects the person who'll listen to her message to judge her negatively, and spends the rest of the day thinking about it.
by cheddarcat September 30, 2012
Get the Social Anxiety Disorder mug.The nervous impatience experienced when waiting for a parcel or package you've ordered to be delivered. Often accompanied by frequent glances at the front door for signs of the courier driver when you hear any audible or visual queues of their presence. Generally the level of pre-parcel anxiety is highly correlated with either the monetary, sentimental or hype-based value placed on the package being delivered.
"After my package wasn't delivered yesterday I've got serious pre-parcel anxiety!"
"10:43am: My package hasn't arrived yet! the courier better not have stole it!"
"10:43am: My package hasn't arrived yet! the courier better not have stole it!"
by waitingForAPackage September 1, 2011
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by @kitboy_orb March 17, 2021
Get the anxietyandeyeliner mug.The tension felt in the few seconds after launching a bird in Angry Birds where you don't know if the bird will connect with a precise spot on a target to get you 3 stars in a specific level. Most of the time Angry Birds anxiety is followed by an immense feeling of frustration.
Yo, man!! Why are you tensing up every time you tap your iphone screen??
Playin' Angry Birds man. Got a bit of Angry Birds anxiety goin'... can't get the 3 stars in this level!!
Playin' Angry Birds man. Got a bit of Angry Birds anxiety goin'... can't get the 3 stars in this level!!
by Tommyt July 27, 2011
Get the Angry Birds anxiety mug.The helpless, panicky feeling one experiences when completely and utterly clueless in algebra class.
by RAWSTUNMEATLER April 16, 2010
Get the Algebraic Anxiety mug.Refers to a fear of listening to voicemail(s) for any reason, esp. for fear of what the message may say or require of the listener.
by mmmonic December 29, 2010
Get the voicemail anxiety mug.Anxiety is like the feeling you get when you almost fall out of your chair in class, or skip a step on the staircase. Only it never stops.
by I-don't-have-a-name May 2, 2018
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