Is this social anxiety?

[Sandancer]

First time posting on this board. Just looking for reassurance that I'm not the only one really...

I'm nervous talking to people - always been shy, don't have many friends. I take my son to a lot of toddler groups but I find ways of avoiding people so I don't have to speak to anyone - manly because I always say something stupid, get my words mixed up and sound like a fool.

I also replay every conversation in my head, I can remember every word I said and this question goes on and on in my head "why did I say that?" Even weeks after talking to someone, I go over and over the conversation constantly. I can even remember stuff I said over 10 years ago and regret saying anything at all.

I had an altercation with my neighbour about a parking issue recently - no big deal really but I can't stop thinking about it. I started panicking, stuttering and my heart was beating so fast it was awful. It was over 2 weeks ago and I'm still having trouble sleeping as the conversation is going over and over in my head.

If I have a knock at the door, or my phone rings I get this awful nervous feeling in my stomach because I know I'm going to have to speak to someone. I really hate myself for doing it but can't stop.

You're not the only one. I feel like this too, although not diagnosed with social anxiety, I'll be interested to hear from others that have.

I'm currently hiding away in bed dreading the school run. Feel so scared, like something bad is going to happen.

I have been officially diagnosed with GAD but primarily social anxiety, I feel the same way as you both by the sounds of it. I would recommend seeing a gp that you trust, it has helped me :)

this is like me too

Thanks for your replies. Even just writing that down made me feel better. I think I will make an appointment see a doctor - I've put it off for years but now it's affecting my sleep I have to do something. Thinking positive from now on...had enough of dwelling on the negatives all the time.

Me too... It seems that is more common than I thought ! Ive been thinking about my experiences and trying to identify when and why I started with me, do you have any clue about you? In my case I think I was raised in a very critical environment, I mean, my mum was a wondefull mum but uses to criticize people a lot , she herserf, although very commumicative, was all the time worried about other peoples thoughts about her and the family, we couldnt speak louder at home because she was worried about that neighboors would hear.