Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
7. Negative Self-Esteem
Much of the negative outlook that people with social anxiety experience is directed inward. It is a common misconception that anxious people don’t understand their interpersonal problems. In reality, they are usually acutely aware of their social deficits to the point that they actually exaggerate the extent to which they are perceived as awkward. Every imagined misstep adds to their belief that they’re broken or not able to maintain healthy relationships.
The good news is that this low self-esteem can be a catalyst for getting help. The first step to addressing any problem is the acknowledgment that an issue exists. A negative opinion of yourself, while unpleasant, can be useful if it inspires you to look for ways to overcome it and the people who can help you do so.
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