Is it Social Anxiety or not?
Hi, I'm 15 and I've been wondering for some time if I have social anxiety or not? I've have done all the reading and research possible and many things define me but I still can't be sure. I feel awkward, shy, and nervous around people. I am scared of talking to people and communicating. I don't eat in public or in school, I avoid talking to people and when I do have to talk, I feel very nervous and like I don't belong. I can't seem to be able to talk to anyone or hold a conversation. I secretly feel like everyone in my class hates me and thinks I'm awkward. I feel tears come to my eyes when someone criticizes me in any way and I always feel that if I do say something, I will make a fool of myself, be embarrassed and then everybody will laugh at me. I am shy and I prefer being left alone but I also want someone to talk to me and try because I can be fun once you get to know me. I hate attention and when I have to talk to someone I'm scripting everything in my mind but when the time comes, I wimp out. I'm scared of meeting people, getting judged, being laughed at and I overthink everything. I had my middle school graduation party this year and weeks before the party I was worrying and creating the worse scenarios in my head. I overthink many things and I hate it loads. I know that my worrying is irrelevant and completely useless also irrational but I can't help myself. I want to talk to someone about this and ask but I can't even do that because I'm scared of the outcome. Can anyone please help me answer my question because I am really restless.