How can you recognize the signs and symptoms of social anxiety?

[RiseofArtemis]

[MrChinaski]

There is an actual definition, for whatever that is worth.

The Current DSM-5 Definition:
A. A 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 embarrassing and humiliating.

B. Exposure to the feared situation almost invariably provokes anxiety, which may take the form of a situationally bound or situationally pre-disposed Panic Attack.

C. The person recognizes that this fear is unreasonable or excessive.

D. The feared situations are avoided or else are endured with intense anxiety and distress.

E. 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.

F. The fear, anxiety, or avoidance is persistent, typically lasting 6 or more months.

G. The fear or avoidance is not due to direct physiological effects of a substance (e. g., drugs, medications) or a general medical condition not better accounted for by another mental disorder...

[Telekinetic-Potato]

Forced smiles, and it's a specific kind too. Like a regular forced smile is curved up more, anxious smile is more wide. Almost like the wind is blowing in their face.

Restlessness. You need to notice their baseline but I notice if they're a leg jiggle, they'll usually switch to the fingers if they get especially nervous. I figure because they're catching themselves being nervous.

Getting lost in a conversation. Anxious people are too worried to follow the heart of a conversation a lot of the time. So they'll respond to the surface level of a conversation. They might add an observation that doesn't quite fit. And you're not sure who's missing something for example.

[Nikki1989]

While it varies per person, you can see it when people go to extraordinary lengths to avoid social gatherings, public speaking, or even simple interactions like returning a shirt to a store.

[MissSunshine2]

I'm not sure, probably by speaking to a therapist? I have anxiety disorder myself.

[msc545]

Social anxiety (often referred to clinically as Social Anxiety Disorder) involves intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or negatively evaluated in social situations.

Common signs and symptoms:

Emotional / Cognitive -

Strong fear of social situations (e. g., conversations, meetings, public speaking)
Excessive worry before, during, or after interactions
Fear of embarrassment, rejection, or “saying something wrong”

Behavioral -

Avoiding social situations or enduring them with distress
Difficulty making eye contact or speaking up
Relying on “safety behaviors” (e. g., rehearsing, staying quiet)

Physical-

Rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling
Blushing, nausea, dizziness
Mind going blank during interactions

Functional impact-

Interferes with work, relationships, or daily activities
Persistent (typically 6+ months) and out of proportion to the situation

[queenofcardio]

I can usually tell if I notice they’re always avoiding speaking up, making low eye contact, and overthinking interactions.

[Abbycado]

If someone seems anxious in social situations.

[whosnumber_1]

Are you feeling social anxiety?

[Anonymous]

By shyness and introversion.