TeenHealthFX - Answers - Scared And Anxious To Be Around People

Worries, Fears and Anxiety Disorders / Question
Published: January 21, 2009

Dear TeenHealthFX,

I have a problem. I don't like being around people. I get really anxious and scared. i usually am only comfortable around one or two friends; making school hard for me. i don't even like being around large numbers of family. Take Christmas Eve for example; I started crying infront of everyone because i got so scared and stressed. i was wondering if there was a disorder that makes me do this.

Signed: Scared And Anxious To Be Around People

Dear Scared And Anxious To Be Around People,

If you find that you get easily anxious and scared when you are around other people, it is very possible that you are dealing with some kind of anxiety disorder. Anxiety is a normal reaction to stress, and, in general, can help a person to cope in difficult situations. But when anxiety becomes an excessive, irrational dread of everyday situations, it becomes a disabling disorder. The five major types of anxiety disorders are: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Panic Disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Phobia (also known as Social Anxiety Disorder).

From what you have said, you may be dealing with Social Phobia, which is characterized by overwhelming anxiety and excessive self-consciousness in everyday social situations. Sometimes social phobia is limited to only one type of situation – such as fear of public speaking – but it may also be broad, where people experience symptoms almost anytime they are around other people.

While you may be dealing with Social Phobia, keep in mind that TeenHealthFX cannot give any kind of accurate diagnosis over the web and without having a more complete history of you and your symptoms. That said, it is important for you to talk to your parents about your concerns and have them set up a consultation with a mental health professional. A therapist can give you an accurate diagnosis and work with you to develop an effective treatment plan. Your therapist may recommend cognitive-behavioral or behavioral therapy, along with medication management depending on the severity of your symptoms. Your therapist may also recommend that you meet with your primary care physician so that he/she can rule out any medical issues that may be contributing to your symptoms.

If you live in northern New Jersey and need help finding a therapist you can call the Access Center from Atlantic Behavioral Health at 973-247-1400. Outside of this area you can log onto the US Department of Health and Human Services Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration website for referrals in your area. You can also contact your insurance company to get a list of in-network mental health providers or check with your school social worker or psychologist to get a list of referrals in your area.

If you don't have a doctor and live in northern New Jersey, you can call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973-971-6475 for an appointment or contact your local teen health center. You can also contact your insurance company for a list of in-network providers.

Signed: TeenHealthFX