i think i have social anxiety disorder...

Ok so I haven't been diagnosed with this but reading the symptoms sounds like me and I believe everyone has the symptoms to some degree or another. In almost every single way I am very normal except socially. I am a 22 year old guy who has never even kissed a girl or gone out with anyone. I am quite bad socially and get nervous so I try to avoid social situations. I have only a few close friends. I was very shy in high school (probably even more socially awkward because I was even worse socially back then). Recently I got laid off from my job (there was some downsizing but my inability to talk up my position as well as inability to make strong bonds with co-workers probably contributed to the easy decision to let me go). I felt more socially outgoing when I was working because just being part of the real world helps. Now I have moved back with my parents in my small hometown where I now know nobody and feel very isolated and alone. I have a good degree in computer engineering from a good state school and I've been able to get some interviews but I always do so poorly in interviews that I never get the job. The job that I just lost was my only real job that I've had and I got it in a phone interview that lasted literally probably 1 minute. My manager was really incompetent and just gave it to me. Recently I've been supposed to be getting a passport so I can go visit one of my friends in Costa Rica but even something as simple as this I don't want to do because of the social aspects of it (taking picture / talking). Anyways, I don't want to ramble - I know I could get diagnosed but I dont want to pay for medication or treatment and I honestly think this is something that has very very slowly been getting better over the years. I am a new member here and just wanted to share some of my experiences.

Greetings,

Sounds just like myself and just like social anxiety. I think you are right that everyone has symptoms of it to some degree, just usually not as bad. I know what you mean about work. I wish those interviewers would look beyond how smooth you can talk and see that we could do the job just as well as everyone else if not more. Many times those smooth talkers get the job, but are screwballs at the workplace. For myself, I've had to lower my standards to just get a job and then work my way up if possible.

There are help options out there, even ones that cost very little if nothing at all. Many times its those options that tend to help the most too. Such as knowledge and support.

Good luck to you sir and welcome.