How can Social Anxiety Disorder symptoms affect my life?

Since social anxiety disorder usually begins early in life (average onset is age 14), it can affect school performance, interactions with peers, success making friends and dating, and even graduation from college. It's common for people with the disorder to avoid taking classes where they may be the center of attention. On the job, people may refuse a raise if it involves job responsibilities that require giving talks, running meetings or attending social functions. Social anxiety disorder can decrease opportunities for meeting a future spouse. It can also add stress to a marriage and is associated with an increased rate of divorce.