When I would talk to mental health professionals I would use the term “social anxiety” to explain my social inabilities. I wonder how they define social anxiety, vs how I am explaining it.

It’s not just being anxious about giving presentations or being in-front of crowds, it’s about all things having to do with interacting with people.

Is it “social anxiety” to be afraid to show my mother affection when she came home from surgery, because I was afraid of expressing my care not only to her but to the family friend that was there?

Is it “social anxiety” to hide in the bathroom when family visitors or any visitors come over?

Is it “social anxiety” to be ashamed & embarrassed to express the words “I love you” to my own mother or family members?

Is it “social anxiety” to call out from work because I’m too anxious to see the same people I’ve been working with for the past 6 months?

Is it “social anxiety” to obsess about if I’m even blinking enough like a normal person?

Is it “social anxiety” to always obsess about the way I walk while I’m walking, obsessing about if I am swinging my arms enough, moving my shoulders enough, etc?

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