Shy or social phobia?

I don't like people. I don't like being around them. It is getting harder to go to work. I don't want people other than my close family in my house and I don't like going to other people's houses. If I have to phone someone I have to have my partner do it on my behalf. It is getting unbearable.
I am so terrified of saying or doing the wrong thing. I am worried that I will upset someone. I get so panicked around people. My palms get sweaty, I get palpitaions. I am calmest when I am on my own, I can't relax around people other than my partner and child.
Am I just really shy or is this social phobia?

Hi Jelly Beans

I'm not sure if it's just shyness or social phobia- no-one here can diagnose you, but it sounds like you've got a lot of anxiety going on, which is really horrible to have to deal with. I go through similar things in dealing with other people too- and there are certain people I feel safe around as well.

Have you ever talked to or thought about talking to someone in 3D about your anxiety at all?

Take care
Lily

I'm not a psychiatrist or anything but to me it seems like a social phobia. I too don't like being around anyone but my boyfriend. This may sound weird but not even family really, I'm use to them, grew up with them, I LOVE them, but still feel this awkwardness and tension around them as if they are lo key judging me. I don't like going to the market cus there's too many ppl in one little space and I feel like all eyes are on me, always feel a little paranoid that some are looking down on me and judging my looks even tho I'm not actually seeing it. I mean sometimes here and there u might see someone eyeing u with a serious look which makes me wanna say ''YOU GOT A STARING PROBLEM???' I tend to often feel like an outcast in social situations, the feeling that they wanna talk to everyone but me, cus I'm not interesting and am quiet. Then I start to feel annoyed and impatient due not feeling like standing around chatting with these losers. Sometimes I think to myself that this world is messed up, full of selfish, outspoken, judgmental and inconsiderate nobodies...

well this explains my issue. i have a phobia to be around people. i thought it was just cause people are stupid and i have a fear of touch anyways but i hate being around anyone. i am extremely shy but if someone initiates talking to me i will talk but i will not butt in the middle and include myself and the people that do that bug the hell out of me. I have been called the B* word because i don't interact and don't want to go out to lunch or after work with classmates/coworkers. i hate people and i automatically assume everyone will hate me. i warned my boyfriend of my tendencies and he said i was fine. one year later he's decided i'm a b* too. i'm just shy and i don't want to sound like an idiot every time i open my mouth. i think of what i'm saying while i'm saying it which really makes me twist my words and loose what i'm even saying and now he thinks i'm really stupid. I don't know what to do anymore and often find my self fantasizing about my death or driving by a cemetery and automatically thinking "they are so lucky". seriously don't know what to do anymore

klynn, have you ever thought about seeking out some help from someone like a therapist before? You sound like you could use some extra support.

I have had people think that I am being rude by avoiding those sort of situations too- it's very hard and I also overthink things before saying them out loud too- so it sometimes comes out a bit of a jumble and not what I actually meant.

Please keep yourself safe- things can get better.

Take care
Lily

lilyfairy ... i don't think before i speak i think while i'm speaking. it's easier for me to communicate through email or some kind of text it helps keep my thoughts straight and i don't start wondering why their body language is the way it is when i'm face to face. When i was a child my father through me to therapist after therapist and i found that if i didn't talk they couldn't help me. I don't like therapist because my dad through me at them, i think of this forum as my therapy. after searching here and talking a little bit i have mental felt better and actually feel kinda sane knowing that what i was having an issue with is an actual disease and can be, so to speak, a birth defect but i did have some things that helped of the years to contribute to my issues.

I find the understanding of the other forum users very helpful too. And knowing I'm not alone.

I understand your reluctance about seeing a therapist- I was much the same for (quite) a while and had to decide when I was ready to seek help. I still find it difficult to say things out loud and will write things in a letter to my therapist and email him each week, and we then go over the issues. I find it much easier to bring things up.

If writing helps get things out, then go for it!

Take care
Lily

Thanks lilyfairy. if it wasn't for the money issue i might think about seeing one. i use to write ALL the time and talk to my RIP mom and that helped to but haven't done either in about 3 years.

I would advise you to see your doctor and ask him about this, as anxiety issues and even social anxiety are treatable in most caes.

Perhaps it would be a good time to start writing again? And I think if talking to your mum helps then that's ok too.

Are there any options available in your area for free or subsidised therapy?

Take care
Lily