Reply #13: Could be social anxiety, or just shyness. [View All]

[Jackhammer Jesus]

Social anxiety can be caused by a number of reasons. Some forms can be overcome through treatment (medicine, therapy) or, if it's only minor, by building self-confidence in social situations.

I think the most important thing for you to do is get yourself out in social situations and basically force yourself, no matter how awkward you may feel, to interact with people - either people you see often but rarely speak to, or total strangers. It's not too difficult to make conversation without relating to people or having any significant topic of discussion. However brief the conversation may be, you should be able to gradually build your confidence in yourself and your ability to interact with others. If you can having meaningful conversations with people here at DU, after all, you surely can interact with others in person.

If you find yourself entirely unable to approach people, and feel major stress in social situations (even when you aren't interacting with anyone), then you might have a case of social phobia, which is treatable.

Regardless of the cause, it CAN be overcome. Best of luck to you. :D