is this anxiety and is it mild or moderate if so?

THis is a strange question but i need to know whether it seems im suffering anxiety or not.

basically ive always been really shy and withdrew a lot from social situations when growing up. going away to uni and also learning to live alone and find a job has helped me gain a bit more confidence but i still feel like im really shy and suffer some symptoms i think are anxiety symptoms.

However i know there is a thin line between suffering an anxiety condition and suffering natural nervousness.

I have always been very independent and always wanted to do things for myself (have a good paying job, have bought a house, have good friends) however i do want to do some things and find it hard to do things. if im at a party i think of things i should say yet then i worry about how i will sound or whether its ok to say it and miss the chance because i think about it too much and get 'panicking' (heart beats faster, get hot and faint feeling, start shaking). i avoid trying new things (i.e really want to go to yoga but i chicken out every time). even if my own boyfriend expects something of me, i feel suddenly sick with ears ringing and cheeks glowing and have to change the topic. around work mates i can talk if asked but am the quiet one of the group and even around friends i end up sitting there giggling most of the time. 2 or 3 friends i can be fine but anyone i dont know well or if its a large group it may as well be like im not there as i dont contribute at all and just giggle a lot. i show im listening but i have trouble responding. i dont ask people questions (like if theyre telling me something i dont say, so how are you parents etc) and make conversation. i just float along and then either during or after think, what a waste of space i am and no wonder people walk off and talk to others instead of sit near me!

i even had a boyfriend once when i was younger who waited for me to show some affection and knowing he was expecting it (affection as in a simple hug and kiss) i just couldnt do it. in the end he walked off and ended up telling me i make out like im an exciting person in front of others but in front of him im boring and lifeless. ive always remembered this and every time i am that 'boring and lifeless' person i feel annoyed with myself. yet i cant break out of it.

i started seeing a psych because of a traumatic moment in my life and bought up this anxiety/severe shyness thing. i have a feeling she thinks me normal (just shy) and doesnt know how to help me. so i think maybe im just shy and not really suffering anxiety. but then i think of the times where i get nauseas, dizzy, rapid heart beats and the 'runs' before a social event (like a work party) and those times where i do go to them (still find the courage to go) but just sit there like a giggling blob the whole time. then go home and beat myself up about how boring i am and how i shouldnt have gone.

sorry for the ramble but any ideas on what i should do or if this is an issue or not? honest opinions :)

thanks

[mishy_boo]

Hi,

It sounds like you could have a social anxiety disorder.

Symtoms (symptoms) for this are:

1.marked or persistent fear of one or more social or performance situations in which the person is exposed to unfamiliar people or to possible scrutiny by others. The individual fears that he or she will act in a way (or show anxiety symptoms) that will be humiliating or embarrassing.

2. Exposure to the feared social situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may take the form of a situationally bound or situationally predisposed Panic Attack.

3. The person recognizes that the fear is excessive or unreasonable.

4. The feared social or performance situations are avoided or else are endured with intense anxiety or distress.

5. The avoidance, anxious anticipation, or distress in the feared social or performance situation(s) interferes significantly with the person's normal routine, occupational (academic) functioning, or social activities or relationships, or there is marked distress about having the phobia.

If you think that sounds like you google social anxiety or social phobia to read more about it.

Hope this helps.