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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?

#1

I Genuinely Love This Subreddit

I Genuinely Love This Subreddit

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Sheila Stamey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unless you are tormented by anxiety you don't know what a gift was given. God bless whoever did this!

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#2

I Hate When This Happens

I Hate When This Happens

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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.

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#5

True

True

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Vicky Z
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And in the end you don't watch Netflix because you keep thinking all these!

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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.

#7

It's Like I Forget I Have Sa For A Second

It's Like I Forget I Have Sa For A Second

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I also have the best advices for other people problems .... not for mine of course! Shouldn't that be some kind of a super power?

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#8

"Don't Dwell On Things" They Tell Me... Meanwhile

"Don't Dwell On Things" They Tell Me... Meanwhile

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#9

Here’s Some Abuse

Here’s Some Abuse

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*currently reading bored panda, listening to 90's pop music, not planning to speak to anyone and imagining myself going out in the evening*

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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.”

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#10

*Checks Excuse Book*

*Checks Excuse Book*

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

While wishing desperately someone will cancel or a tornado will hit the city and you won't have to go with these plans

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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.

#13

Never Were Truer Words Spoken.

Never Were Truer Words Spoken.

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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.

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#17

Always The Outcast Of Every Group

Always The Outcast Of Every Group

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Couch potato
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

yep. Just described what happens any time a word comes out of my mouth

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Brendan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

The worst thing someone can do is point out your shyness to you.

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magnadar
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Everybody wants me to talk more, but if i do, nobody is listening to me." I think the quote is from "the village" but i'm not sure

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Tami
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then someone else says something you were going to say, and everyone is all interested in them.

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Sue M. H. R.
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes! This so much. Thankfully, pre-pandemic, I was at a casual event at my parent's house and after most of the guests had left a few of us were sitting around by the fire pit. I started a relevant story a few times, only to get interrupted my multiple people - and not interrupted to ask a question - like interrupted so they could start telling their story. Also, I tried to comment or interject when appropriate and NO ONE heard me or listened. My sister was sitting next to me and silently laughing. I turned to her and said, "this might be funny for you now but this has been going on my entire life" - she got real quiet. I'm happy to report, my relationship with her is better than ever, but I still find it is just easier to not talk at family events.

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iBlank
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

the worst are the people who acknowledge that you are trying to add something to a conversation, but never stop talking long enough for you to do so. And, when they finally do pause for a second, they changed the subject long ago

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BetweenTheCracks
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Oftentimes, at some point in their ceaseless blather, they'll try to joke about it: "Lol, I'm so sorry, I just never shut up. *whaaaargarrrrble without taking a breath for the next 20 minutes*"

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tail_bite
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

whoever tells you that you should talk more is a true friend and they will listen

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Devilish_Damian
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

- stutters 5 times in a 4 word sentence because of anxiety and insecurity

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Delilah Simmons
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Relatable and if we were friends, I would remember every word, but alas i have no idea who you are

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me me
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i usually just end up accidentally saying something weird or off topic, and then want to go home.

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Grayson Wrigley
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, but additionally: "You should talk more!" and then, despite the fact that I can never shut up around my family, suddenly realize that my mind is a blank, white void and not a single speech-worthy thought has ever crossed that empty expanse.

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Doris Bennett
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At a gathering at my son's home I was very nervous ... I didn't know most of the quests... trying to be inclusive... and not too expressive, I apologized for my awkwardness. A snooty, gaudy overdressed (slightly tipsy} woman loudly remarked "oh you mean by being loud and boisterous?" I was soooo mortified! Tipsy or not, she destroyed what was left of my new found courage and dignity in an instant. There is nothing more disgusting than a tipsy or not know-it-all smart-ass in any gathering. Now I feel even more awkward in public.

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KayJay
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS!!! YES!!! or say something stupid and get “those looks”.

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Leesa DeAndrea
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or you talk too much & say a bunch of stuff that makes you look like an idiot and then you kick yourself later because you didn't keep your stupid mouth shut.

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Susan Egan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Pick a face, catch their eye. Then start talking to them. Glance at their face (eyes) off and on it your uncomfortable holding their gaze. Although try not to stare off in the distance too long. I do that while I'm thinking and talking. I've had people turn around to see what I'm looking at.

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Robyn Denton
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yes, you can only be ignored or disregarded for so long before you just don't bother speaking any more.

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Celtic Pirate Queen
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Like trying to have a conversation with my sister, who is a complete narcissist and doesn't give a s**t about anyone but herself. Huh, and she wonders why I never return her phone calls.

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Christine Rhodes
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I finally talk-no one hears except Husband who loudly repeats what I said -people laugh and tell him how smart and funny he is. He beams, I fade from existence just a bit more...

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Rachel Wilson
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Then when I finally get a chance, I forget what I wanted to say

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#20

Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller

Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller

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#21

Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*

Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What ? Being an insensitive bully who uses their tyranical power to publicly humiliate a child does not help them ? How surprising ! /s

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#23

I Have Stitched No Truer Words

I Have Stitched No Truer Words

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Brendan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes, I feel like a meeting one-on-one is harder because the onus is on you to make a 50% contribution to the conversation.

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#25

Thanks Brain, Very Cool

Thanks Brain, Very Cool

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Demi Zwaan
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#26

Anyone Else?

Anyone Else?

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Sheila Stamey
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#27

Every Time

Every Time

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#29

Anyone Else?

Anyone Else?

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Vicky Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Sometimes this is why i make plans when I'm in a good mood! To force myself to go out! But I regret it most of the times

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#32

Here We Go Again

Here We Go Again

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Birgit M
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is absolutely me. When I find myself not worrying I start to worry about not being worried.

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#35

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Daniel Marsh
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why I had such a hard time accepting a diagnosis of depression: I actually WAS happy in bed. Sorta.

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#39

Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!

Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!

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Daria Z
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It actually helps me to know most people probably think about their own failures all the time instead of mine :D

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#40

A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone

A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile, the people who you think laughed at you (they probably did not) have already forgotten.

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#41

Make That 6 Weeks

Make That 6 Weeks

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NsG
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

This is fine. This is less about social anxiety and more about the energy that is needed to be "on" around people. Three weeks might be a little long, but taking quiet time to recharge is perfectly normal. It can be normal for introverts AND extroverts.

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#43

Me Today

Me Today

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Ryan Deschanel
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Can't we, like, have them all killed ? -No, ma'am. -Why not ? -Magna Carta. -Oh... Right... F**k that thing."

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#44

College Parties

College Parties

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#45

Yes

Yes

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Julie C Rose
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

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.

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#46

You Are Not Supposed To Call!

You Are Not Supposed To Call!

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iBlank
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

mobile phones are the worst! We take them everywhere we go and they can ring at any moment! No wonder we're all losing our minds... constantly dreading the next call

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#47

Never Related To Something More

Never Related To Something More

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#50

I Feel That

I Feel That

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