Is what I have Social Phobia?

Hello. I'm 17 and I've been thinking back and forth about going to a doctor/psychologist and discussing my problems, but I keep deciding to do it later in case I'm wrong/will grow out of it somehow.

I'm mainly anxious in situations where I'm the center of attention. I'm not really mentally scared about the situations (like presentations) themselves, as much as I am about the symptoms that always come with them. Just before it's time, I can feel my body stiffen up, my hands suddenly becoming cold and sweaty, my head feeling hot/cold, I start to tremble, my mouth twitches if I try to smile, I feel a bone in my throat, and my legs are jello. When I start the presentation, it feels really strange, like I'm not in reality, my mind is just blank and I feel very separate of the other people.

This same thing happens in
1) Anything that involves audience listening to me
2) Social situations where there's a group of people (5+ people)
3) When talking with authorities/etc (doctors, policemen, interviews)
4) When I notice someone is paying attention to what I'm doing
5) New people that I'm not used to.

AKA situations where I'm being evaluated (the goodness of my performance or of what I say, on what my personality is like).

As I said, I don't actively mentally fear the social situations themselves. I avoid them often because of the fear of the symptoms and people noticing them. I do admit that I have a low self-esteem and do not consider my points of view as particularily interesting in others' eyes.

I find the fear frustrating because I would like to have more social contacts and be able to be natural around other people like I am when by myself. I constantly overanalyze peoples' behaviour towards me and wonder if they dislike me, and never approach new people if they don't approach me first.

I'm not sure what I should do.

dude I think you got SA. In my case sometimes ago I was also aware mentally that there was no danger at all but there would be that feeling holding me back. What I think you should do, (well thats what I did) is going to your psychologue of course, but also to try talking to friendsa about this issue (friends you trust a lot of course) That would be a good start I think

Yeah? I just can't decide because after I turn 18 then I wouldn't have to tell my mother about it because I'm fully aged. But then again, it might be cheaper to do before I am, since underagers might get discounts in things (in case I'm sent to a doctor or get some pills etc).

I just had a representation today which not only being the usual kind, was done in another language while having to perform a bit.

Hi Mojopin. I have had SA most of my life and am now about to turn 24. I am going to see a therapist in about a week as I am at wits end. Going to work, going to the shops etc has become very hard for me. I told my mother and my step- dad about it recently and they were quite supportive.
I had OCD when I was younger and did not want to put my family through this crap again but unfortunately it has to be done.

When I was your age I thought it would blow over and I wish I had of got help a fair bit earlier but my stupid pride got in the way.

Seeing a therapist is not easy at first, I wont lie to you and the longer you leave it the harder it can become as more issues seem to just pile up.
When I was around 16 I saw a psychiatrist for my OCD. I got my prescription and after two visits I was out of there. I wish I had of stayed as 8 years later I am about to return for phase 2 for my new illness SA :?
The medication cured my OCD but if I had of stayed for therapy I might not be where I am today.

All the best
Fidgey