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Social Anxity
I have been experiencing severe social anxiety since childhood (around age 8–10). I am currently 18 years old, and this problem has continued for many years.
I find it extremely difficult to talk to people or maintain eye contact. When I try to speak, my voice becomes very low or shaky, my body feels tense, my heart beats fast, and my mind goes blank. Because of this fear, I avoid social situations as much as possible, even simple interactions like talking to shopkeepers or strangers.
Along with this, I experience almost daily maladaptive daydreaming. I often escape into long, immersive imaginary scenarios, especially when I feel anxious, stressed, or overwhelmed. I am fully aware that these daydreams are not real, but they happen automatically and take up a lot of time, affecting my concentration, studies, & real-life functioning.
Most of the time my anxiety is severe, but occasionally, depending on the situation, I feel temporarily more confident & my social anxity & day dreaming.
Answers (10)
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Severe anxiety with also ruminations are there
Please consult for further treatment
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It seems your symptoms need to be evluated in detail..there must be stressor or hidden past trauma in your case,which has remained unresolved,that is why you must have developed this coping of avoiding social situations,which has increased gradually in terms of severity,this suffering needs to be stopped and you deserve to live life peacefully
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Consult psychiatrist to help you go through this difficult situation and guide you to overcome your anxiety with appropriate symptom relief
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Life is beautiful,which shouldn’t be spent being socially avoidant..
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Hey, first of all, I'm very proud of you, that you came here and asked for help. Most of the people don't even have awareness of their problem, and if they do, they resist seeking help. Social anxiety is very common, and you are not at all alone in this. You've been living with this condition for so long, but now that you are ready to take help, we can help it get better.
Next Steps
With the right Therapy and Medications for a little time, we can manage your social anxiety.
Please consult the psychiatrist online or offline
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Do not worry, social anxiety is completely manageable condition
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Dr. Shilpa Patwardhan
Psychiatrist
23 yrs exp
Pune
Thank you sharing your struggle
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with a combination of medication and psychotherapy
It is important to take first step to seek help
You can book the appointment to know further
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Dr. Indraja Sharma
Psychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Kota
Symptoms are consistent with Social Anxiety Disorder, with prominent avoidance and maladaptive daydreaming as an anxiety-coping pattern (not psychosis).
Management:
CBT with exposure + social skills training is first-line; consider SSRI if severe. Mindfulness/grounding for daydreaming. Early treatment has a good prognosis.
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Kanika Sharda
General Physician
5 yrs exp
Delhi
Thank you for sharing your experience so clearly. What you are describing is very distressing, and itâs understandable that living with these difficulties for many years has affected your confidence and daily functioning. Severe social anxiety can begin in childhood and continue into adolescence if it is not addressed. Symptoms like fear of speaking, avoiding eye contact, trembling voice, racing heart, muscle tension, and the mind going blank are common anxiety responses, not a personal weakness.
Maladaptive daydreaming often develops as a coping mechanism to escape overwhelming anxiety or stress. Even though you are aware that the daydreams are not real, the mind may automatically shift into them to seek temporary relief. This can interfere with concentration, studies, and real-life interactions, especially when anxiety is high.
The fact that you sometimes feel temporarily more confident shows that this pattern is changeable. Both social anxiety and maladaptive daydreaming are treatable with the right psychological support. Structured therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure-based techniques, anxiety management strategies, and grounding exercises can help reduce fear, improve social confidence, and decrease excessive daydreaming over time.
At your age, early intervention can make a significant difference. Consulting a mental health professional would be a very important and positive step. With consistent therapy and guidance, improvement is very much possible. You are not alone in this, and help is available. Hope this helps.
Next Steps
Consult a psychologist . Start trauma-focused therapy (like CBT or EMDR).
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Dr. Rupali Mohbe (PhD)
Psychologist
26 yrs exp
Ahmedabad
Thank you for sharing this. What you describe is consistent with long-standing social anxiety. The shaky voice, fast heartbeat, blank mind, and body tension are automatic anxiety responses of the nervous system, not a personal weakness—especially since this began early in life.
The daydreaming you experience appears to be a coping pattern your mind uses to escape anxiety and overwhelm. Your awareness that it isn’t real is important; this indicates an avoidant regulation response, not loss of reality. Since it is affecting your focus and studies, it needs to be addressed.
The fact that you sometimes feel more confident shows that your anxiety is situational and changeable.
Treatment focus will be:
*Regulating anxiety through breathing and grounding
*Gradual, structured social exposure (not forcing)
*Grounding techniques to interrupt daydreaming
*Working on fear of judgment and self-confidence
With consistent therapy (CBT, grounding, exposure-based work), both social anxiety and maladaptive daydreaming respond well. You’ve already taken an important first step, and improvement is very much possible. To know more you can always reach out for help to us at nine-five-two-two-five-five-five-seven-zero-three.
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Dr. Seujee Goswami
Psychiatrist
13 yrs exp
Bangalore
What you describe reflects a long period of discomfort, self-monitoring, and effort in social situations, often accompanied by strong physical reactions and mental blanking. Living with this for many years can quietly wear down confidence and make everyday interactions feel much harder than they appear to others. The tendency to retreat into daydreaming during stress is a common way the mind tries to find relief, even though it can later interfere with focus and daily functioning. The fact that you are able to recognise these patterns and ask for help is a meaningful step forward.
Next Steps
Consulting a mental health professional for a detailed assessment can help you better understand what is happening and identify practical ways to reduce distress and avoidance. Therapy can support you in building confidence, managing physical anxiety responses, and developing healthier coping strategies over time. Medication may be considered if needed, but psychological support is often central at this stage.
Health Tips
Try not to see these difficulties as personal failings. Change usually happens gradually and with guidance rather than through willpower alone. Avoid complete withdrawal, but also avoid forcing yourself into situations that feel overwhelming without support. With appropriate help, improvement is very possible.
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Dr. Sanjeevani
Psychiatrist
7 yrs exp
Hyderabad
It appears to be you are suffering with these symptoms since many years
Its high time to get a help from a mental health professional
Don't delay it might progress affecting all aspects of your life.
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life style changes
physical activity
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