I know exactly how you feel. I've struggled with the same exact problem for many of years. Minus the red in the face part. I'd do whatever I could to get out of a speech, I hated it more than anything in the world. I never raised my hand to answer a question and when I was called on my heart raced. My voice was always shakey and many times I couldn't finish the whole presentation. It affected my life in a very negative way.

I thought it could be social anxiety and it very well could've been but regardless I never visited a doctor about it. I dont' know how much this is going to help you but I overcame it by, sort, of forcing myself to talk to people. I got a job in the summer in which I worked with kids and many college students older than me. I would have to stand up and present material to the kids while my co-workers watched. That and I had my boss watch me too which was kind of nerve wrecking. By applying and going on a interview allowed me to get used to being prepared when talking with someone. So if you don't already have one, get a job. It does help.

Then I noticed a dramatic different in comparision this year and last. This year I've been talking to a lot of people and I'm not afraid at all. Once you get it, it comes naturally. And you don't have to think anymore. People are intimidating at times and as a shy person we tend to over-analyze everything too closely. You need to find a way to make yourself approachable. Smiling is a good start. People become afraid because you have your guard up so much that people wouldn't know what to say to you. It's all a matter of letting your guard down. Overall, for me I've just grown out of it. And it's an awesome thing to overcome from living with it yearly. It's not as hard as you're making it out to be. And work up the courage to answer a question in class one in awhile. You need to get over the fear. And the only way to do that is to make yourself just go for it. You need to put yourself in a place where your uncomfortable ( in this case socially ) and be able to keep a good conversation going.

As far as medical conditions go, if you feel you may need to seek a professional or have social anxiety you could get tested for it. I would try maybe doing some things I suggested first before you get checked out. If you do need treated for it, you'll be much better off and I'm sure you won't feel as awkward.


Research social disorders online and read all the symptoms of each one. If you can relate to the majority of them you can print it out and highlight important facts first. Then go back and re-read them. This is good in preparation for going to get checked up on so the doctor knows exactly what you feel like.

Hang in there!

-Shannon

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