Is social anxiety disorder common?

I have social anxiety. I'm terrified to go outside or interact socially with anyone. I won't answer the door or the phone, being around family members who I don't see much (like my Aunt and cousins) makes me incredibly nervous and panic-striken.

I had to go to my doctors the other day for a med review (I'm on Fluoxetine, two pills each day) and I was hating being in the waiting room. Kids running around and I felt like everyone was staring and judging me. And I have this everyday of every moment. It sucks.

I think some people think they have it when they don't.

Growing up (and only when I'm alone today) I always had this sense of anxiety with me at all times. I barely talked at school b/c I was afraid I would sound weird or I'd mess up on my words and embarrass myself. I always thought people would be staring at me when I would write or eat. I can't eat unless I make sure no one is looking. When I write I think people know what I'm writing and I get embarrassed/anxious.

Talking on the phone is still hard for me when it's not my mom or boyfriend. Once my dad made me leave a message after I called someone and they didn't pick up and I freaked out and cried, almost had a panic attack but I did it.lol.

I always feel on edge because I think everyone is staring at me and watching my every move though I know they aren't.

I remember being nervous hanging out with my friends too. I'd force myself to go but I'd end up not talking at all b/c I was so anxious.

I think what people don't realize is how debilitating the anxiety is. It's not normal nervousness IMO.

I've done some stupid things because of my anxiety. When I lived with my dad and his GF (whom I hated and tried too avoid at all costs) I would stay in my room. I couldn't even go to the bathroom and it was right next to my bedroom. She would always be on the couch watching tv so I knew she'd see me. I would stand by the door holding the knob trying to turn it without making a sound, then I'd open the door slowly but it always creaked so I'd freak out and couldn't do it. I stopped eating too b/c I refused to eat her food and I couldn't leave my room b/c of my anxiety.

A few times I would sneak out the window to go to the store down the street for food and crawl back through the window to get back into my room. XD

Yes - though their are many drugs to overcome that issue.

If you're on this website, you probably have it. :P
In all seriousness, though, I have it and it can be truly crippling. I've missed a week of school due to the sheer terror of interacting with other people, and my family hates me for not "trying" hard enough. This form of anxiety has ruined my life. :(

I might have it. I am not really sure. At times I am a social butterfly, other times, im a social disaster.