ADVERTISEMENT

Social anxiety is like a tiny gnome in the back of your head; it might be sleeping, it might be as active as never, or… it might be forcing you to go over the way you said “here” that one time during attendance. One thing is clear, though—people without one will never know what it feels like to have it affect every single social situation you’re in.

The r/socialanxiety subreddit is a safe space for those feeling distressed in a social environment. People here share memes that other members might find a been-there-done-that kind of situation.

Bored Panda has created a list of relatable social anxiety-induced moments. Whether it’s thinking of better arguments for that conversation earlier or finding the perfect eye-contact-to-floor ratio, some people might feel more at ease knowing they’re not alone.

#1

I Genuinely Love This Subreddit

I Genuinely Love This Subreddit

MrDrProfDav Report

Add photo comments
POST
kirstin-peter avatar
Shark Lady
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I'm too nervous to go to Subway. If my daughter wants to I just give her the money and let her choose my sandwich. Luckily she knows exactly what I like and so far I haven't had any weird food.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Also known as social phobia, social anxiety disorder (SAD) is the persistent and excessive fear of being around people or in specific collective situations. It differs from person to person but there are some common traits. They might include worrying about meeting new people and starting conversations, tending to avoid social gatherings and eye contact, overthinking about judgment from others.

It might sound like everyone feels that way every once in a while. However, for those with social anxiety, these negative feelings are constant and way stronger. In some cases, they can lead to high levels of stress or even panic attacks.

#2

This Is How You Dismantle An Ego

This Is How You Dismantle An Ego

divideyansh Report

Add photo comments
POST
ennioviau-liva avatar
Astrius
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’m ACTIVELY trying to make friends, but the actions that take me extreme effort to do are apparently natural for everyone.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#3

Thank You!!!

Thank You!!!

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
lisahewes avatar
Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

YES!!! These people are genuinely some of the best people! We ALL need people like this in our lives!

View more commentsArrow down menu

SAD is part of the group of generalized anxiety disorders (GAD), which is actually the most prevalent mental illness in the United States. The National Alliance on Mental Illness states that around 18% of people in the US live with some sort of an anxiety disorder.

According to the Recovery Village, 264 million people worldwide suffer from it. Their data shows that younger people are more affected by it than the older generation. Just over 22% of people aged from 18 to 44 suffer from these conditions while for people 45–59 years of age, the number drops to 20.6%. Out of people over 60, only 9% deal with anxiety disorders.

ADVERTISEMENT
#4

This Is Too Real

This Is Too Real

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
angie_koharu119 avatar
Angie Chiyoko ( She/they)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or when you finish a assignment in class and you wait for someone else to turn it in first so that you know it's now okay to go turn it in too

s9277652 avatar
fair_weather_rose
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always do this with tests! I usually test quickly, but then i panic because if i turn it in first but got a bunch of questions wrong the teacher will think I rushed or messed it up on purpose, so i wait until a few other people have finished to turn it in.

Load More Replies...
sheila_stamey avatar
Sheila Stamey
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Most stressful job I ever had: I was thrown into being an emergency auction pit crew helper. I wasn't supposed to have to talk so I didn't practice. They have me hold up, white gloves and all, this really old pistol that was for sale. ( Nonworking) the auctioneer looks down at me and in front of 600 people says, " well there, Miss Sheila, that looks interesting, why don't you tell us about it " and to my horror a microphone appeared in front of me. Y'all I thought I was gonna die! Lucky me, my secret stupo-stupendous super power is the power of SILLY. It does come out under stress. I said ," auctioneer John, this here, is a whidjadidjya!" He looked at me, replied, " do tell! " I said, "as in y'all didn't bring your gun whidja did ja? ( With you did you)" after everyone laughed I was able to say ,"17th century Turkish dueling pistol with mother of pearl inlaid grips."

isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay I was completely emotionally invested in your story. Felt this in my bones 😂

Load More Replies...
jwetherley avatar
Potterhead934
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do that but if there is food on the table and I don't want to be the first person to take any thinking it may not be for me

frenchhyenagoat avatar
A Wild Bean
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends and I are all extremely socially awkward so we went to someone's house the other day and there were cookies and we were all arguing over who would take one first bc we were all scared of being the first one to take a cookie...

Load More Replies...
bikeang3l avatar
Bike Angel
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I would be too afraid to even bite the apple (the crunch that boomed around the world)...

staphgirl79 avatar
Mistiekim
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or holding in a cough or sneeze because you don’t want to interrupt anything. I’ve even held in having to go the bathroom so I wouldn’t disturb the meeting, etc.

jdtimid123 avatar
jdtimid123
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

When I was in college I had a cough (and was young and afraid to just skip classes), and tried so hard not to keep coughing during the lecture that the professor tossed a cough drop to me.

Load More Replies...
editor_16 avatar
Sue Denham
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And then realising your car keys were in the same hand as the apple core and are now in the bin too, so you have to wait until the meeting is over and the room is empty before you can fish them out. Of course you spend the rest of the meeting dreading that someone will pop into the room and empty the bin.

sarahelowry avatar
Sarah Lowry
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And then feeling awkward because you've got some remnants of the apple "juice" on your hands so you sit there for the remainder of the meeting with and open, useless hand, waiting for it all to be done, so you can say you need to go to the bathroom. You just wash your hands, but once you get back to your desk, you actually need to go to the bathroom so you have to wait a few minutes in agony because you don't want to look like you've got stomach issues. It's really sad how quickly all these situations came to mind...

leannemariedantoni avatar
Agnes Jekyll
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Okay, I know I have anxiety, but when I read this, I understand the very many levels of anxiety and the bricks people carry around in their bodies and minds. I hope writing this and reading others' experiences lightens the load. Love you all.

duesvolent90 avatar
Thegoodboi
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

LOL when you're planning how to execute this task, your name gets called and you have no idea what was discussed the last 10 mins.

isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Changing the way you walk 'cus a group of people was laughing and obviously it was about you and the way you walk 'cus you walk weird. So you start to walk differently which is probably more weird then it was before. Or is that just me? 🙈🤔

juliefmouton avatar
Rougarou Cher
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I once dropped out of college because I couldn't take these feelings when walking through the hall to get to class much less doing group projects or the get-in-a-circle discussions.

afrawilliams avatar
A Dubb
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And now 45 minutes into the meeting and you don't know what the hell is going on because you were too worried about the apple. 🤦🏽‍♀️

maryelliott avatar
LuLuBelle
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's only ten feet away. Yeet that puppy at the can. If you make it, you're now a hero with the group's respect. If you miss, you're now a sympathetic human with relatable failings. Win win. As far as the walk to the can...always remember people are way too busy thinking about themselves to bother thinking about you. Embrace your anonymity. I used to have crippling social anxiety until I figured that one out.

ashenbrooks avatar
Ashen Brooks (They/Them)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

or when you get told to get your device out and you wait for someone too before because you dont want to get in trouble if you accidentally misheard....

punknoid avatar
Allan Hart
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

After getting to #8 and realizing I have/are done/doing the exact same things. I was today old when I epiphanized I have social anxiety

sasindiperera avatar
. . .
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I do this all the time. I hate it but I keep overthinking the tiniest things.

ed_maurer1984 avatar
Eddie Maurer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I always suffered from thinking that I walked funny and everyone was always watching and noticing.

taint98 avatar
Eric Tanner
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If you get up to throw your apple core away, the stares are not because you threw something away, it's because you crunched on the loudest & weirdest snack ever in a business meeting!!! Who eats an apple in a business meeting?

dorothyparcheartsingh avatar
Dorothy Parcheartsingh
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

For me it was always wanting to curl my hair but not doing it if I had french because the girl next to me had naturally curly hair and I didn't want her to think I was copying her even though I had never talked to or known her

birgit200x avatar
Bored Birgit
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Don't eat apples in meetings! It's impolite, because you can't eat an apple without any noise.

sarahpolhaus avatar
Ruby
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I can spend an entire movie planning how I will eat the popcorn without anyone noticing.

jakespencer avatar
Jake Spencer
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Ayo wtf that was me in class, I didn't realize that wasn't normal lol

paigemangan avatar
Tinykame
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Walking... I have a problem with just walking in front of people.. and breathing.

dpeterson7858 avatar
D Peterson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Or if I finish anything before everyone else, my first thought is, 'Maybe I didn't understand the instructions & what did I do wrong?'

vintagebooks avatar
Vintage Books
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I wouldn't have been eating an apple in front of people in the first place.

nikia_2 avatar
Niki A
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

As an adult, I will do the STUPIDEST things to avoid being watched because of my anxiety.

calibuerge avatar
Katrina M. Alecson
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I ate the apple core, fully aware of the cyanide. It was a calculated risk

zak_1 avatar
zak
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Meanwhile, Toby from the Marketing Dept just says "KOBE!" and tries to sink a full court shot with his apple core from across the room, misses spectacularly, and has no shame in leaving it there for maintenance to clean up. 🤦🏼‍♂️

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Despite rather large numbers of people living with GAD, not a lot of them tend to look for professional help. The Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) states that less than 37% of people with generalized anxiety disorder receive treatment, even though it is believed to be very effective. ADAA also revealed that 36% of people suffering from social anxiety waited for 10 or more years before seeking help.

#6

Here’s Some Abuse

Here’s Some Abuse

Grouphugintheshowers Report

Add photo comments
POST
carterkearns05 avatar
The Blue Spirit
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

"Imagining myself in situations that will never exist" seriously like 25% of my life is me reading a book but accidentally going off-track and not realizing

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#7

I’ve Never Related To Anything More

I’ve Never Related To Anything More

kookieandacupoftae , ratch_jax Report

#8

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

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

hotpotato745 Report

Add photo comments
POST
iva_kazalova avatar
Iva Kazalova
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I think it’s because social anxiety centres around you personally, and when it crosses over the focus shifts on someone else and it’s not about you anymore, it subsides and you can do the thing, probably how i feel too

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT

As with other anxiety disorders, SAD can develop due to numerous reasons. Some of the main factors include inherited traits, brain structure, and the person’s surroundings.

It is believed that certain mental illnesses or disorders can run in the family, making it one of the possible causes behind developing social anxiety as well. It might also be related to our environment, as family or close people usually have an impact on our surroundings from an early age. Therefore, if a member suffers from certain disorders, their behavior might end up reflecting in ours.

ADVERTISEMENT
#9

People Like This Deserve A Special Place In Heaven

People Like This Deserve A Special Place In Heaven

seasoned_toker Report

#11

I Know This Feeling Too Well

I Know This Feeling Too Well

LisetteLily Report

Add photo comments
POST
rs_adahl1971 avatar
rs_adahl1971
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I've done this. It's hard maintaining relationships when you don't want to be a burden to the other person. I feel you.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

The founder of Washington Center for Cognitive Therapy, Vincent Greenwood, Ph.D., has expanded on social anxiety in a video online. He stated that there are three subtypes of social anxiety, based on its main triggers. The first—and the most common—one is general fear of social interactions. This might affect the day-to-day acts as simple as engaging in small talk, entering a room filled with strangers, participating in group activities.

#12

Too Sensitive?

Too Sensitive?

smth-abt Report

The second type of social anxiety according to Dr. Greenwood reveals itself when performing. Whether it’s sports activities, art performances, or giving presentations, some people might have difficulties dealing with the additional stress of being the center of attention.

ADVERTISEMENT
#15

Always

Always

SignificantHeart Report

#17

Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!

Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!

helmutstrebl Report

Add photo comments
POST
laurenstern avatar
Lauren S
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seriously! Where did they get my picture?? Every dang one of these is so relatable.

View more commentsArrow down menu

In his video, Dr. Greenwood names the phenomenon known as observational fears as the third type of social anxiety. It is based on the angst of being judged or feeling embarrassment. People affected by this type might feel anxious while doing things when others are watching, whether it’s signing a document or cooking dinner.

#18

"Social Anxiety"

"Social Anxiety"

supbuds Report

Add photo comments
POST
lisahopkins avatar
Lisa Hopkins
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

That’s my life. Because when I signed up for it I really wanted to do it lol times comes for it and I hate myself for signing up for it.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

People with social anxiety share some common behavioral disturbances that can appear in both emotional and physical forms. The emotional ones comprise excessive worrying about others judging them, intense and persistent fear of communicating with people, anticipating certain social situations expecting the worst, among others. Some physical ones include but are not limited to heart palpitations, profuse sweating, blushing, trembling.

ADVERTISEMENT
#22

Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*

Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*

zeaNN1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
sandyd avatar
Sandy D
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yup, and then belittling then for not interacting or interacting awkwardly

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#23

I Saw This Earlier And It Couldn't Be More True

I Saw This Earlier And It Couldn't Be More True

RedSoxCeltics Report

Luckily, there are ways to cure or minimize the impact of SAD. First and foremost, if certain symptoms feel like it could be social anxiety, it is important to seek help from professionals. They can help diagnose it and appoint the appropriate treatment, whether it’s medication or alternative types of medical care. In addition to that, methods of occupational therapy or other practices, such as yoga or meditation, can be helpful as well.

See Also on Bored Panda

Another solution that might help some people deal with social anxiety is connecting with people in a similar situation. The negative feelings caused by the disorder might make one feel lonesome, but there are people suffering from anxieties, getting in touch with whom might alleviate the load of it all.

ADVERTISEMENT
#27

I’ll Be Attending My First Protest Saturday

I’ll Be Attending My First Protest Saturday

22Wideout Report

#28

So Accurate

So Accurate

reddit.com Report

Add photo comments
POST
the_true_opifex avatar
Katie Lutesinger
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I miss CollegeHumour. The comments section was constantly full of jerks and trolls and jerk trolls but their content was great - especially the comics.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Social anxiety is a serious topic, but people in certain online communities manage to find ways to present their lives with the disorder in a rather lighthearted way. Quite a few great examples can be found on this list. Whether it’s an outlet for the emotions caused by SAD or a way to connect with people going through a similar thing, some of these will definitely find a person or two who can relate.

#30

A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone

A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone

BluePantera Report

Add photo comments
POST
abbycun avatar
Abby da great
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

that is not a hyperbole. If I was weird at 60 yrs old I would still be thinking about it for 20 years after I die

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#31

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

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

iitzraspberryx0o Report

#32

Either Too Shy Or Annoying

Either Too Shy Or Annoying

WolfGirl520 Report

Add photo comments
POST
angie_koharu119 avatar
Angie Chiyoko ( She/they)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Why is this so TRUEEEEEEE!?!?!!?! Seriously, as soon as I'm comfortable being around you, I am so freaking annoying.....

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#33

... :/

... :/

smth-abt Report

Add photo comments
POST
skyelopc avatar
i_like_boats
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I have been known to duck into a corner when I hear other people coming…. Not for any particular reason, just because apparently seeing strangers on the street is scary

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#34

Oh... I

Oh... I

sadperson123456 Report

Add photo comments
POST
jubileethebug6 avatar
Lil Potato
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I know I already said this but all of these are so relatable I am actually crying. People actually get it somewhere out there! (edit) thanks to all of you in the comments!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller

Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller

a49620366 Report

Add photo comments
POST
isabellelamarque avatar
Isabelle Lamarque
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My dispatch from my last job had no caller id. So it always came up as ''unknown'' worst time of my life. I was obligated to answer every call that said ''unknown number'' 🫤

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
See Also on Bored Panda
#37

Never Related To Something More

Never Related To Something More

Strawberryplath Report

Add photo comments
POST
angie_koharu119 avatar
Angie Chiyoko ( She/they)
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

My friends parents think I'm such a good influence but they just know the awkward, socially anxious side of me and not me when I finally open up to you

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#39

*checks Excuse Book*

*checks Excuse Book*

rogueShadow13 Report

#40

Always Embarrassing Myself

Always Embarrassing Myself

HipDope_lord Report

#41

What's It Gonna Be Today Folks

What's It Gonna Be Today Folks

stuckonganymede Report

Add photo comments
POST
lisahewes avatar
Lisa H
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Being depressed and alone is less embarrassing than having a panic attack in public. Please don't ask me how I know.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#42

Everytime

Everytime

MortalAsStrongAsGods Report

#43

Thanks Brain, Very Cool

Thanks Brain, Very Cool

Erasertron Report

#44

My Life In One Picture

My Life In One Picture

CutieFries Report

#45

Plus Thinking About How You Sounded Afterwards

Plus Thinking About How You Sounded Afterwards

Slazed05 Report

#46

Anybody Else?

Anybody Else?

0nemorelight Report

See Also on Bored Panda
#47

Can Anyone Else Relate?

Can Anyone Else Relate?

niaz1 Report

#48

It’s A Vicious Cycle

It’s A Vicious Cycle

WolfGirl520 Report

#49

Why Are You Like This

Why Are You Like This

Bata_1 Report

Add photo comments
POST
uncannyi avatar
Uncanny
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Real life downvotes. You’ll be steadily talking, then suddenly when you open your mouth no sound comes out, and you realise you’ve received 10 real life downvotes. 😳😂

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#50

Anyone Else?

Anyone Else?

imgur.com Report

Note: this post originally had 133 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.