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As she navigated her teenage years, the torment of social anxiety intensified. Estom recalls obsessively analyzing interactions and obsessing over the perceptions of her peers. She revealed that she was consumed by the fear that others found her boring or weird, a sentiment that only deepened her anxiety and isolation.

The Physicality of Anxiety

As Estom explains, social anxiety is not merely a psychological issue but also manifests physically. She recalls her experiences with sweating, trembling, and blushing during social encounters. These intense physiological symptoms further contributed to her feelings of embarrassment and frustration, solidifying her belief that she was somehow "a freak."