Have you noticed that lots of people seem to not believe in social anxiety? They seem to think that just because they don't experience it, that everyone else must lie about having it.

I hate telling people in person that I experience SA. When I mention it, and how it prevents me from doing things, people tell me things like "you're just a little bit shy" or "it's easy - just do it!".

Why would I want to put myself through so much tension to accomplish something? It's not worth it. My anxiety isn't mere anxiety - it's the kind of anxiety that affects my life significantly. I feel sick in certain social settings; I can't handle some at all.

Humans aren't clones - they're not programmed to feel the same way as each other.

When will people realize this?

I completely agree with everything you said. On the rare occasions I've told anyone (other than mental health workers) about my social anxiety, they've all treated it like it was nothing because they have no idea what it's like themselves.

I doubt that they think you are lying. They probably just don't understand the amount of pressure/fear that a person with SA endures.

Most people sadly will never understand. People never try to imagine others' situations, and what problems they may face.

Do introverts seem to be more aware of the world around them? A lot of extroverts that I have met were completely self absorbed. I'm sure this is not true for all of them. However, that is what I am slowly leaning to. IDK

I don't really blame people who have never suffered SA for not understanding it. If you've never experienced something it's very hard to imagine what its like. For example I can't even begin to understand anorexia. It makes no sense to me why someone would willing starve themselves, but clearly they do it and there must be an underlying reason - a mental condition or something. Even someone who is just shy might find understanding anxiety difficult. It's unfortunate, but that's life. The most you can expect is some compassion and tolerance I guess.

I sometimes wonder what the people who sit behind me think. If they make a strange face, I sometimes feel uncomfortable sitting next to them because I caused that strange face. I usually think it's a signal of disgust.

It doesn't help that my father constantly criticizes me outside for what I tend to wear (basic slacks and a t-shirt along with a rather ratty hoodie, according to him).

Is this SA?

Just tell all these stupid people to imagine they'd be in a room full of spiders nakedly, or whatever they're afraid of. Or better yet, throw them into such room once, or make them walk around outside buttnaked... or hold a gun to their head. They'll probably never make jokes about people suffering from SA or panic attacks again then. I wish I could do that to all of these healthy idiots who never take me seriously and to those responsible for the Emo garbage that is going around everywhere, dragging serious disorders and immense suffering into a ridiculous fashion.

"Snap out of it!"

Thats has to be the most irritating one going. If only it were that easy, a click of the fingers and no anxiety anymore. It would be a wish come true for many sufferers.

"Be a man."
"Grow up."
"Just do it."
"What's the big deal?"
These are my least favorite ones.