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50 Hilariously Relatable Jokes In This Online Group Of Socially Anxious People Who Are Laughing Through The Tears
Social anxiety is one of the most widespread fears that usually starts during teenage years. And while many occasionally worry about social situations, someone with social anxiety feels overly worried before, during and after them. It affects their everyday activities, self-confidence, relationships and work or school life, so you can imagine what a heavy burden it may be.
But whoever is looking for a support group online, the ‘Social Anxiety’ corner of Reddit is a safe space to talk about hard things. With 309k members and counting, the subreddit has people sharing painfully funny memes on how it feels to live with this anxiety.
“Whether it's approaching someone you're attracted to or if it's giving a presentation in class, everyone gets a little nervous at times. You may have social anxiety, however, if you feel like throughout your day you're bombarded by anxious thoughts/feelings during social situations that otherwise seem so effortless for most people,” states the subreddit’s description.
“Welcome to the club,” it adds, showing that you won’t feel left out and a bunch of people here do know how you feel. So why don't you all just laugh at it?
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I Genuinely Love This Subreddit
Unless you are tormented by anxiety you don't know what a gift was given. God bless whoever did this!
I Hate When This Happens
Thank You!!!
It’s important to understand that social anxiety is more than being shy. Although many people occasionally feel anxious in social situations, those with social anxiety have the fear interfering in their daily lives.
NHS.uk states that you may have social anxiety if you have any of these symptoms: worry about everyday activities, such as meeting strangers, starting conversations, speaking on the phone, working or shopping; avoid or worry a lot about social activities, such as group conversations, eating with company and parties; always worry about doing something you think is embarrassing, such as blushing, sweating or appearing incompetent; find it difficult to do things when others are watching—you may feel like you're being watched and judged all the time; fear being criticized, avoid eye contact or have low self-esteem; often have symptoms like feeling sick, sweating, trembling or a pounding heartbeat (palpitations); have panic attacks, where you have an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety, usually only for a few minutes.
"Social Anxiety"
Too Sensitive?
Social anxiety may be especially daunting when things go against the plan and this, as we all know, happens much more often than we’d like. It’s really hard to keep yourself in control for those who don’t have it, but for people with social anxiety it may seem like mission impossible.
The good news is that there are some cognitive emotional skills that anyone can learn to get through those stressful situations better. Improving such skills has to be made a priority by those with social anxiety, and many other mental health issues like depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, etc.
It's Like I Forget I Have Sa For A Second
"Don't Dwell On Things" They Tell Me... Meanwhile
Here’s Some Abuse
Bored Panda reached out to Alice Boyes, a former clinical psychologist turned writer and the author of “The Healthy Mind Toolkit” and “The Anxiety Toolkit” to find out more about controlling our frustration when things go against the plan. Alice said that in practical terms, “the more buffer you have in your life, the easier it is to handle stress. Therefore practical solutions like creating an emergency fund can help.”
*Checks Excuse Book*
I Know This Feeling Too Well
Having said that, she suggests that if your life isn’t overscheduled and you have more flexibility, then it’s best “to give yourself time and nurturing to recover from knocks. ”Psychologically, it’s always best to remind yourself to take stressful situations one step at a time. “Like, if your car breaks down on the highway, all you need to do first is get out of traffic. Don't get ahead of yourself mentally,” Alice explained.
Never Were Truer Words Spoken.
Always
I. Am. Yellow. You just have to practice 😅😅😅 sorry!
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I don't even remember how we lived before texts and emails! Oh no i remember! Calling your friend at home wishing no parent will pick up was a true agony!
And there was always the one parent that thought it was funny to mess with you. "Hi, is John there?". --- "yes he is" ---- "uh... uh... can I speak with him?" --- "I don't know, CAN you?" --- "uhm... uhm... would you please ask him to come to the phone and speak with me?"
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Some people just don't get it. I hate calling. With a passion. At my job I have to answer the phone most of the time and usually it is something unpleasant so in the private sector 99% of the time I do not even answer the phone even if I can see that the caller is a friend of mine. Why do they keep calling me although I have told everybody a zillion times to contact me via WhatsApp only?
I did this thing at school where I had to help with the 6th grade orientation and I had to call the numbers of everybody in my group. I split the list with my partner but still had to make 8 calls. Thankfully most of them didn’t answer. It took me half an hour to rack up enough courage for the first one.
If I can knock out a conversation in 30 seconds and be done with, you bet I'm calling. Texting drags on to long for me.
This is me at work. I am work "yellow". I get comments from co-workers how I am always wanting to call people rather than send an email. No not always just when I get a feeling a. the person will ignore an email and pretend they never got it thus dragging out the process for months longer b. if they do reply to the email likely that co-worker that said email them will not respond to the email saying oh you were handling that one but still expect me to reply to emails they have sent to people c. person is an idiot and will keep re-sending same information you have just emailed them about saying no sorry not the right documents please complete the attached document so phoning them and breaking it down into ever smaller/simpler chunks means less emails that end up novels. However not at work I am totally a "blue" and avoid speaking to people on the phone preferring text/IM
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This is so me. I get such bad anxiety when I have to make phone calls or talk on the phone. It's horrible! I'd so much rather text or email for sure.
F calling. I work in IT, and one thing you learn is that the customer WILL throw you under the bus EVERY chance they get. Paper trails (email trails) are critical.
Blue dude is my husband, yellow is me even though I told him to call in the first place cuz I'm to scared to (yes I am aware of my own hypocrisy)
Emailing and texting are so much less terrifying than the phone. If I can find a chat on a website, I will always chose this too. Talking on the phone means picturing the person on the other end rolling their eyeballs as they’re talking to you. Fear of rejection rules even in imagination
argh my boss is always telling us to call people and i'm like... can i give them 24 hrs to answer my email first?
Why is there even a need to talk these days when pp in the same house text each other frm different rooms?
Happens to me way too often at work, and most of the time it sucks.
yeah, and my heart is raising when I hear my ringtone till I see my mom or husband calling, and before every call it takes me few hours to prepare mentally, it does not workes, ever.
Hmmm. I may have a touch of Sa (I am weirdly mild-to-moderate w my disorders, hard to diagnose/treat). I don't get anxious, but I've had this conversation many times.
Another way to handle stress is giving yourself some sources of pleasure, like exercise, or podcasts you like. “Things you look forward to, that you can still do even when you're experiencing stress,” the former psychologist explained. In the end, it’s always helpful to remind yourself that stressful events happen to everyone. “They're part of life, but we don't necessarily know what's going on behind the scenes for other people,” Alice concluded.
I’ve Never Related To Anything More
Always The Outcast Of Every Group
yep. Just described what happens any time a word comes out of my mouth
Aye, Contact Sucks
Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller
Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*
What ? Being an insensitive bully who uses their tyranical power to publicly humiliate a child does not help them ? How surprising ! /s
I Feel Attacked
I Have Stitched No Truer Words
My Life
Thanks Brain, Very Cool
I'm still thinking about that time I was 8 (almost 40 years ago) and it was my birthday. I got a toy from my parents and was so happy with it, I ran to my aunt when she came in to show it to her and she had bought the exact same present. I still feel bad about it and I know it's stupid, my brain says it's stupid, I have a million reasons of why it is stupid, but I still feel bad. I hate emotions.
Anyone Else?
Yup.right in the eye every time. And you just feel like yelling " I could do it until you got here, doggone it!" My especial special hate; when I'm painting. I paint for me. If you say it's pretty, usually, I love you so much I will give it to,which I'm told is a pretty cool thing. But, don't walk up and say,after watching and umming for a few seconds, " you need to do..." Whatever. I will smack you with a full pallette in my dreams.
Every Time
It’s Me Every Freakin Day Lmao
Anyone Else?
Now Time To Hibernate
Here We Go Again
Social Anxiety - The Beginning
Why I had such a hard time accepting a diagnosis of depression: I actually WAS happy in bed. Sorta.
It’s A Vicious Cycle
I’ve Been There
Am So Lonely!
Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!
A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone
Meanwhile, the people who you think laughed at you (they probably did not) have already forgotten.
Make That 6 Weeks
Yeah
Me Today
"Can't we, like, have them all killed ? -No, ma'am. -Why not ? -Magna Carta. -Oh... Right... F**k that thing."
College Parties
In fairness, I *am* on drugs because of social anxiety. Thanks, Pharmac!
Yes
My parents actively taught me how to speak up about stuff like this because they knew I was really shy (they don’t know it’s clinical social anxiety) and didn’t want me to be unable to advocate for myself. I’ve gotten money back from a hotel that tried to rip me off.
You Are Not Supposed To Call!
Never Related To Something More
Me Attending Online Classes
I Feel That
Note: this post originally had 96 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.
Me obsessing about something that happened fifty years ago. The fact that all the other people involved have been dead for quite some time makes absolutely no difference.
It's funny I keep seeing comments from extroverts who have literally no idea why were making such a big deal out of doing literally anything
The most anxiously provoking thing is where you’re walking outside and a stranger appears and walks at the exact some pace next to you. It should be a legal requirement for them to pass you or slow down!. I never seem to get it right. When I slow down they do and same with walking faster. I’ve been known to go completely the wrong way I should be going in, just to get away!.
What should someone do if they happen to have social anxiety? What would you recommend? Asking for a friend... ...who am I kidding? i have no friends 😄
You can always know you aren't alone. I wonder how many of us are hiding away round the place. I mean, I'd say we should start a club but the thought of it is too much, and honestly a club for introverts sounds like such an oxymoron! But we have places like here to put our feelings and hear the stories of others, it makes me feel more normal 😅 take it one day at a time, I don't want to push any toxic positivity at you just say that I think it's a great start to reach out like you did with your comment :) ❤
Load More Replies... I can relate to most of these, but at least some of them had me outright laughing. I'm so glad I can do that. I've come a long way baby!" I have Biploar 2 disorder and the social situation with covid have been hell on a lot of us. We're not to have much of any social interaction for months. Grocery store, pharmacy, pet supplies and the doctor. Great. And the one thing that is always impressed upon us is not to self-isolate. Terrific. Right now I am what they call "rapid cycling". Hypomanic to severely depressed to feeling good. I never know who I'm going to be on any given day or days. im just thankful for the good days. Today is a good day.😊
Hi Miss Frankfurter. Did you copy and paste a comment that I haven't made yet?! You've summed up what a lot of us are thinking. Well done and spot on.
Load More Replies... I get the 'other people are worse off than you!' and 'We're all in the same boat!' and 'cheer up, what's the worst that can happen!'. To everyone and anyone that's ever said these things to me, go f uck yourself.
I find 'what's the worst that could happen' to be a very valid question whenever I feel anxious about something. More often than not the answer is 'I could make an ass out of myself', and everyone's constantly making an ass out of themselves, so it turns out it's not that bad.
Load More Replies... *Waiting for my turn at the barbers*, screaming internally, "Please not the chatty barber!" Chatty barber: "Hey buddy, you up next?" FFS!
Grew my hair long, stopped dyeing my greys (because of the pandemic) and now do my own trims at home. I'm saving a bundle. But the biggest perk is not ever having to walk into a salon and make small talk with a hair stylist ever again in my entire life. I think about this almost every day. And think why the hell didn't I do this sooner? I'm a woman, but I have never ever felt comfortable or pampered going to the salon. It's a social anxiety nightmare.
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I didn't know what my problem was until I read this post. I have social anxiety. I swear as I read each one, I was going, "Yep, that's me. I feel like that when the phone rings or someone talks to me or someone doesn't talk to me." I'm 68 years old & I finely have a name for how I feel every moment of every day. Thank you!
I have read here how many people are so anxious just to ask for help. God willing, soon we will be able to go to an office. They will understand your anxiety. There were times too many people in the waiting room. I decided to wait by myself in the hall. Understanding. They came to get me when it's time to go in. If you're so anxious all you can do is sit there & not talk, thats ok too. It tells them a lot with just that. If you keep coming back you'll eventually be comfortable. I ended up in the hospital when I finally "broke". I was terrified to go there. Nothing to be scared of. They were so kind & understanding, willing to listen & didnt tell me what to do to get better. They asked questions that helped me think & to some degree i played a part in healing myself. The patients, we give each other room to be. We also help each other. As G.K. Chesterton said, "We're all in the same boat in a stormy sea, & we owe each other a terrible loyalty". We're so loyal. Take comfort in that.
Every single fckin entry on this post was extremely relatable. Every. single. f*****g. one.
I felt every one of these a few years back. My panic attacks turned into a full-blown case of agoraphobia.
Went out to dinner last week with my boyfriend. Went great til I was home in bed thinking I could have choked to death at dinner.
You're unsympathetic. I'd rather be around people who care a lot, than someone like you who cares too little.
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Maybe not for you. As someone who suffers from extreme anxiety, I can relate to almost every one of these.
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Me obsessing about something that happened fifty years ago. The fact that all the other people involved have been dead for quite some time makes absolutely no difference.
It's funny I keep seeing comments from extroverts who have literally no idea why were making such a big deal out of doing literally anything
The most anxiously provoking thing is where you’re walking outside and a stranger appears and walks at the exact some pace next to you. It should be a legal requirement for them to pass you or slow down!. I never seem to get it right. When I slow down they do and same with walking faster. I’ve been known to go completely the wrong way I should be going in, just to get away!.
What should someone do if they happen to have social anxiety? What would you recommend? Asking for a friend... ...who am I kidding? i have no friends 😄
You can always know you aren't alone. I wonder how many of us are hiding away round the place. I mean, I'd say we should start a club but the thought of it is too much, and honestly a club for introverts sounds like such an oxymoron! But we have places like here to put our feelings and hear the stories of others, it makes me feel more normal 😅 take it one day at a time, I don't want to push any toxic positivity at you just say that I think it's a great start to reach out like you did with your comment :) ❤
Load More Replies... I can relate to most of these, but at least some of them had me outright laughing. I'm so glad I can do that. I've come a long way baby!" I have Biploar 2 disorder and the social situation with covid have been hell on a lot of us. We're not to have much of any social interaction for months. Grocery store, pharmacy, pet supplies and the doctor. Great. And the one thing that is always impressed upon us is not to self-isolate. Terrific. Right now I am what they call "rapid cycling". Hypomanic to severely depressed to feeling good. I never know who I'm going to be on any given day or days. im just thankful for the good days. Today is a good day.😊
Hi Miss Frankfurter. Did you copy and paste a comment that I haven't made yet?! You've summed up what a lot of us are thinking. Well done and spot on.
Load More Replies... I get the 'other people are worse off than you!' and 'We're all in the same boat!' and 'cheer up, what's the worst that can happen!'. To everyone and anyone that's ever said these things to me, go f uck yourself.
I find 'what's the worst that could happen' to be a very valid question whenever I feel anxious about something. More often than not the answer is 'I could make an ass out of myself', and everyone's constantly making an ass out of themselves, so it turns out it's not that bad.
Load More Replies... *Waiting for my turn at the barbers*, screaming internally, "Please not the chatty barber!" Chatty barber: "Hey buddy, you up next?" FFS!
Grew my hair long, stopped dyeing my greys (because of the pandemic) and now do my own trims at home. I'm saving a bundle. But the biggest perk is not ever having to walk into a salon and make small talk with a hair stylist ever again in my entire life. I think about this almost every day. And think why the hell didn't I do this sooner? I'm a woman, but I have never ever felt comfortable or pampered going to the salon. It's a social anxiety nightmare.
Load More Replies... I didn't know what my problem was until I read this post. I have social anxiety. I swear as I read each one, I was going, "Yep, that's me. I feel like that when the phone rings or someone talks to me or someone doesn't talk to me." I'm 68 years old & I finely have a name for how I feel every moment of every day. Thank you!
I have read here how many people are so anxious just to ask for help. God willing, soon we will be able to go to an office. They will understand your anxiety. There were times too many people in the waiting room. I decided to wait by myself in the hall. Understanding. They came to get me when it's time to go in. If you're so anxious all you can do is sit there & not talk, thats ok too. It tells them a lot with just that. If you keep coming back you'll eventually be comfortable. I ended up in the hospital when I finally "broke". I was terrified to go there. Nothing to be scared of. They were so kind & understanding, willing to listen & didnt tell me what to do to get better. They asked questions that helped me think & to some degree i played a part in healing myself. The patients, we give each other room to be. We also help each other. As G.K. Chesterton said, "We're all in the same boat in a stormy sea, & we owe each other a terrible loyalty". We're so loyal. Take comfort in that.
Every single fckin entry on this post was extremely relatable. Every. single. f*****g. one.
I felt every one of these a few years back. My panic attacks turned into a full-blown case of agoraphobia.
Went out to dinner last week with my boyfriend. Went great til I was home in bed thinking I could have choked to death at dinner.
You're unsympathetic. I'd rather be around people who care a lot, than someone like you who cares too little.
Load More Replies... Maybe not for you. As someone who suffers from extreme anxiety, I can relate to almost every one of these.
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