What's the definition of Social Anxiety?

Need2StopRunning · Newbie User Joined: Dec 04, 2006 Posts: 17

I'm not suggesting that I don't have "Social Anxiety", but sometimes I wonder just what it means. I actually like being social, going places, meeting people. I tend to pick jobs where personal interactions are a large part of my responsibilities because I really don't have a problem with people (that I'm aware of) and like being around people.

Of course that wasn't always the case. In my younger years I went through a spell where I was afraid to leave the house, ride the bus or go to school, but now that's not such a problem. What is a problem is my anxiety, though over and/or caused by what, I don't quite know.

I get into a stressfull situation like school (JC) or doing my taxes, filling out paperwork, managing problems with my computer, and I fall apart. That is to say, I start over-stressing the task and telling myself I can't handle it, or "screw this. Why am I doing this at all?? It's so unfair".....

Of course after bitching about it for a while I'll eventually get through whatever it is, but not before sending myself through the roof with stress and panic. Actually, sometimes I don't get through it at all, but instead give up. (dropping classes is a good example).

For many years, and still to this day to a certain extent, I was extremely Pee Shy. It was a lot worse when I was younger and actually kept me from going out. I have to admit, though, that even today it keeps me from doing certain things, even though I now know how to handle it. It feels irrational, but it's there none the less and sometimes stops me from enjoying life.

I suppose *that* could be a Social Anxiety because I have to be in a bathroom with other people.... But it's not because I worry what others will think of me, it's because I just can't relax enough with people walking behind me or waiting for me.
Though it's not a problem with certain people.

Could I just have general or "Accute" Anxiety and not a Social Anxiety?