Is this anxiety?

[Beckytea]

I'm usually very shy and don't like talking to people who I don't know, which I suppose is fairly normal, but I've been doing my work experience and the hospital this week and when we've finished cleaning and making tea etc. we're told to go and talk to the patients...

I actually sat in the store cupboard and cried for about 5 minutes because I just could not bare to try and socialise anymore. I feel so awkward and like I'm being watched and judged, and I just wanted to be alone! I'm also terrified of doing something "wrong" or something socially-unacceptable.

Is this some kind of social anxiety/social phobia I have? I have had lots of similar experiences to this, so when does it become some kind of disorder and not just general shyness?

[LRT]

I suffer with anxiety,

these are the physical sensations I get

Butterflies in the stomach, thumping heart, shakes, sometimes I go dizzy, my breathing speeds up, then I can't sit still.

did you feel any sensations like this ??

[Beckytea]

I definitely had butterflies in my stomach and felt sick, my hands were shaking and I felt really restless and panicky, my heart and breathing were faster than usual and I was also really tearful (hence the crying in a cupboard) :/

[LRT]

sounds like it could be, I am also very shy and find being social hard x

[sedated]

You have social anxiety. And what you experienced is an anxiety attack, or panic attack. There are quite a few people out there who are on medication for it. Most employers will understand this condition. If you feel a panic attack coming on, simply tell your supervisor that you are having an anxiety attack and need some air. Calmly. Then take a 10 minute break taking deep breaths and rationalizing with yourself why you should not be freaking out.

Like:
I am an intelligent person, I can make small talk. Maybe rehearse a few opening lines, like, "Hi, how are you doing?" "Hello, what a lovely sweater you have on, where did you get it?" "Hi. I'm Jill, I'm helping out today, is there anything I can get for you?"

Let the other person take it from there. If they are grumpy or something and say, "NO!" Or "Go away" then listen to them, and leave them alone, and realize that it's them and not you.

I always have to rehearse what I'm going to say on the phone before I say it. Sometimes I have to write it out on a piece of paper so I can read it, because calling people makes me really anxious, especially if I don't know what to say. What you are describing having to do, is not my cup of tea, but the more you do it, the easier it gets... really. I work in a public position as a Deputy City Clerk and I'm still a bit awkward, but it really does get easier. If someone gets really rude and asks what your problem is if you stumble over a few words, simply say, "Sorry, I'm a bit shy." Even assholes understand shy. lol

I have a lot of experience with social phobia. I have hidden in a bathroom stall more than once!

[Bricksolid]

If you are not used to being around/talking with strangers this is like a natural thing.

Only way to beat it is to keep doing it.