“My Anxiety Has A Loophole”: 50 Memes About Social Anxiety That Explain How Certain Minds Work
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.
This post may include affiliate links.
I Genuinely Love This Subreddit
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.
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.
This Is How You Dismantle An Ego
Thank You!!!
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.
This Is Too Real
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
I Hate When This Happens
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.
Here’s Some Abuse
"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
I’ve Never Related To Anything More
It's Like I Forget I Have Sa For A Second
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
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.
People Like This Deserve A Special Place In Heaven
Never Were Truer Words Spoken
I Know This Feeling Too Well
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.
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.
Too Sensitive?
This
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.
Always
Show Me A Better Duo, I’ll Wait!
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.
"Social Anxiety"
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.
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.
This Is Terrific!!!
Teachers : *surprised Pikachu*
I Saw This Earlier And It Couldn't Be More True
THIS!!! This is so true..... I'm gunna go cry now cus this is calling me out
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.
Aye, Contact Sucks
I Have Stitched No Truer Words 🖤
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.
I’ll Be Attending My First Protest Saturday
So Accurate
I miss CollegeHumour. The comments section was constantly full of jerks and trolls and jerk trolls but their content was great - especially the comics.
Every Time
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.
A Little Hyperbole To Remind You You're Not Alone
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
"Don't Dwell On Things" They Tell Me... Meanwhile
Either Too Shy Or Annoying
Why is this so TRUEEEEEEE!?!?!!?! Seriously, as soon as I'm comfortable being around you, I am so freaking annoying.....
... :/
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
Oh... I
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!
Now Time To Hibernate
Yes! Just yes! I cannot express how much I relate to this
Getting A Call From A Unknown Caller
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'' 🫤
Never Related To Something More
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
Haha Relatable, Now Cry 😟😔
*checks Excuse Book*
Naw, this is just me in the mornings before school after sleeping peacefully
Always Embarrassing Myself
What's It Gonna Be Today Folks
Everytime
Thanks Brain, Very Cool
My Life In One Picture
Plus Thinking About How You Sounded Afterwards
Anybody Else?
Can Anyone Else Relate?
It’s A Vicious Cycle
Why Are You Like This
Anyone Else?
True
Am So Lonely!
I Felt This In My Soul
Anyone Else?
This is me every day at work; just printed 300 t-shirts perfectly, my very nice boss comes by and says "how's it going?" and I ruin the shirt I am doing.
Found This Gem On Instagram
Me Attending Online Classes
I once cursed out a teacher in online class in a low voice because she did not accept my correct answer. I was unmuted and embarrassed 😳
Tbh
I once had a teacher call the entire class's attention, point to me and YELL "Who's in charge of stupid questions?" I cried the rest of class. I was 13 and have been anxious about asking anyone anything ever since. This was 23 years ago. I've only gotten slightly better. F**k you, Mr. Boyd.
Social Anxiety - The Beginning
Oh, but you will go somewhere eventually, and that is why he is crying
College Parties
I’ve Been There
Nice
We Can’t Be Like This
This One Hit Me Hard
Like Pls Talk To Me, But Please Don’t Talk To Me
Why is this so true? 😭 one time I tried to join in a conversation about Percy jackson in sixth grade at a new school and I’m like, “you guys know who Rick Riordan is??” And they were just like “yeah…?” And went back to talking and ignoring me. ETA; welp, I was trying to respond to the people who commented on my comment and BP said I was commenting “too quickly.” Like that’s ever stopped scammers?
Saw This On R/Memes And Felt It Belonged Here
I Should've Stayed Home
Social_skills.exe Has Stopped Working
Yes! I just know that I'm going to be stared at when I leave the room. My throat may be drier than the Sahara but I am waiting until the front door closes before getting an ocean sized glass of water.
Make That 6 Weeks
Social battery! I love it too. One outing to the grocery store and I'm out of commission for a couple of weeks at least.
Accurate
I Didn't Make The Rules
Oohhh I was on my way to my wedding and part of me was still convinced my husband was with me for a bet and the "big reveal" would be everyone laughing at me as I got out of the car at the registrary office and I was let in on the secret bet he had made 🙄 x
You Are Not Supposed To Call!
The Wonderful Feeling Of An Empty Parking Lot To Eat Your Lunch In Peace. No Coworkers, No Small Talk
Sadly True
Yeah
Same. I wore jeans today. Someone saw me on them and now I'm re thinking my life choices
I'm Mostly Txt, But
True except for the fact that I then worry that they don't care about me. Thanks autophobia
That Be Me
Just did that yesterday with the most fascinating can of green beans ever.
I Don’t Know If This Has Been Posted Here Before But I Laughed
Ah Yes Self Sabotage
Here was my secret formula in college. During the first few classes don’t arrive super early but get there a little before it starts. Look around the room and find a girl (I’m a girl so that was less scary) sitting alone. Sit near her but not next to her. Ask her if she’s heard anything about the professor/class. Hope she’s extroverted and chatty and adopts you for the semester. Try again the next class if it doesn’t work. Life long friendships? No. Study buddy for the semester? Often, which I was grateful for.
Can We Text Instead
:/
That's Why I Hate My Photos
Why I’m About To Drop Out Of School
Every Night
And Then They Never Text Back
It’s Me Every Freakin Day Lmao 🤣
Me Irl Whenever I See Anyone
I still make awkward eye contact and smile at the girl I've liked for a few months now every time I pass by her in the hallway. I once waved to her and she waved back and I freaked out.
Too Relatable
So True
That Shit Hurted 🤧
Yes
I would be too scared to even order in the first place!!!
I Like When Ppl Cant See My Face
Those were the best years of my life. I got cute masks with animal noses/mouths on them and NO ONE could see me grimacing behind them!
Thanks
It's the opposite for me. If I'm uncomfortable, I tend to chatter incessantly. If I'm comfortable, I'm quiet.
Should’ve Just Stayed Home
Fair
Haha Help Haha. Please
Oof
me tryna make a funny joke or comment on BP and then deleting it incase I'm not as funny as I think I am and I think I am boring:
Relatable
:-(
I’ve Never Related To Anything More
Anyone feeling this…. remember there often is *something* you can do. Even if it’s ‘just’ getting online & trying to figure out what might be ‘going on’ &/or what options/resources might be available for you locally/otherwise. Or journaling. Or finding at least one friend/relative you can talk to. Because often those people do *really* love you & just want you to feel better/get help/believe them. Coming from one of those loved ones… I *LOVE* this person, but feel helpless/hurt when they don’t believe I care/assume I’m lying/manipulating them instead of believing someone could really love them that much. :’( In my case, they also often lash out/push away instead of believing it’s even a possibility there’s no judgment from me, only love & hope… </3 I know it’s hard, but if someone keeps telling you this…. Try to believe them & accept the support they want to give. Tell them what you need instead of retreating into yourself. In time, you may see that they really do love & respect you.<3
Me Coming Home After Socializing, Thinking About How Awkward And Cringy I Was
Anyone Can Relate?
😰😰😰
Every Time
* how I feel a nanosecond after sending said message, regardless of whether there are any replies XD
Every Time
Something
SOMETHING. This has caused major distress for me before tbh
Can’t I Just Take A Magic Healing Pill
I Relate To This On A Spiritual Level
When Your Mere Existence Is Embarrassing
I Live In A Dorm There's Literally 20 Rooms In A Single Straight Hallway
Literally
Me Today
They were probably making sure bloody Nicholas Witchell wasn't camped outside again.
Hmmmmmmmmm
This Hits Real Close To Home
I’d Rather Stay Home
Truth
Meetings, Am I Right?
For some reason my camera frequently "breaks" when it's time for a Zoom meeting. Happens all the time and I just can't figure out why. ;)
Every Darn Time
Why Am I Like This
I play WoW and I am a feral druid, so I run around in cat form all the time and use that as an excuse to not talk to people. If other players try to strike up a conversation with me, I use the "meow" emote, hop around a few times, and run away.
Thats Me
its just too scary! even when they are like "you can approach me, it's strictly confidential" like bro I didn't say it wasn't strictly confidential so why do u feel the need to reiterate it like are you lying?
Yup
I even drew something years back that represented myself in this exact situation! XD the_real_l...8c8ae1.jpg 
I Wouldn’t Want To Bother Anyone
Just to reassure anyone who does this… As long as you’re kind about it, most service staff are *happy* to fix issues. Having worked years in the service industry, the good feels of helping kind people who actually need it helps to balance out all the “help” you have to give the p.o.s. entitled customers who still treat you like garbage even if you bend over backwards for them. I’m one of those people who loves service jobs because I love making people happy. I’d be so sad thinking a customer suffered through their meal/service like this. </3
Me rethinking every comment I made because I was repetitive and annoying but can't delete because then everyone would know
I related to a lot of these but realized that it was my younger self. Seriously does ease off as the years roll by. I'm much more social now I'm in my 60s. You realize it is all in your head.
Sorry. I'm 69 years old & the only thing that's gotten better is I don't have to attend school or go to work.
Load More Replies...
Me rethinking every comment I made because I was repetitive and annoying but can't delete because then everyone would know
I related to a lot of these but realized that it was my younger self. Seriously does ease off as the years roll by. I'm much more social now I'm in my 60s. You realize it is all in your head.
Sorry. I'm 69 years old & the only thing that's gotten better is I don't have to attend school or go to work.
Load More Replies... 