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Social anxiety is a common mental health concern. It's an overwhelming fear of social situations.
If the fear continues to persist and causes disruption in everyday life, it can also warrant a diagnosis of social anxiety disorder. Compared to previous estimates, this disorder, commonly known as social phobia, is a considerably more widespread issue. Millions worldwide experience this dreadful and traumatizing condition daily, whether they have any specific social anxiety or a more generic one.
According to current epidemiological studies, it's the third most prevalent psychological condition in the US, behind alcoholism and depression. About 7% of the population is thought to currently experience social anxiety in some form, while 13–14% of people are likely to acquire this disorder at some point.
Signs of Social Anxiety
Those who experience anxiety in social situations may go through some of the following when confronted with a feared situation. Like any mental health concern, an individual is affected at the thought, emotion and behavioral level.
Here are the signs of social anxiety:
1) Impact on Thought
Individuals who struggle with this anxiety frequently think poorly of themselves (e.g., "I have nothing to say," "Others will think I'm weird," etc.). In social settings, those who struggle with the condition also frequently center their attention on themselves. They concentrate on how they perform and exhibit anxiety.
Examples include, "I'll say something stupid," "I'll get nervous and people will notice," "People won't like me," "Others will think I'm stupid," "I'll offend someone," and "No one will talk to me."
2) Impact on Emotions
Individuals who struggle with anxiety in social situations may worry a lot about outward symptoms of their condition, like blushing or trembling.
Naturally, emotions can also have an impact on physiology. Examples include a racing heart, an upset stomach, trembling, sweating, blushing, and trembling, as well as shaking, choking sensations, dry mouth, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, and blurred vision.
3) Impact on Actions
People who struggle with this anxiety frequently try to avoid or withdraw from social settings.
When they do engage in social situations, they often act in ways to reduce their anxiety or shield themselves from criticism or ridicule (for example, if I'm worried about saying something stupid, I'll try to avoid talking).
Examples include avoiding (e.g., refusing to attend the party), escaping a tense social setting (e.g., leaving the party early), or taking precautions to ensure safety (e.g., drinking).
Causes of Social Anxiety
While there's no single cause for why some people develop anxiety disorders, research suggests many potential contributors.
Like most mental health issues, social anxiety disorder appears to be brought on by a confluence of biological, psychological, and adversity-inducing experiences. These consist of:
- Events in life that are traumatic or stressful (such as bullying)
- Family history of anxiety disorders
- Additional mental health and drug use issues.
Anxiety disorder symptoms typically start before the age of 18, and more women than males have these symptoms. An estimated 7% of the population suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most effective treatment for anxiety disorders.
Exposure treatment, which involves actual or simulated controlled exposure to things or circumstances that make you anxious, may be a component of CBT for social anxiety disorders. The aim of the therapy is to help individuals become aware of irrational thoughts that may contribute to their fear in social situations.
Many people undergo a mix of CBT and medication, as drugs like antidepressants and anxiety meds have been shown to be beneficial. Those with anxiety disorders might also benefit from support groups and self-help techniques.
Frequent physical activity, healthy diet, stress management, quality time with loved ones, spirituality or meditation, and careful alcohol and other drug use can prevent anxiety getting exacerbated.
- Self-care can help with social anxiety and may be a good starting point before pursuing other treatments. The following suggestions may be useful:
- Keep a thought diary to reflect on your thoughts and behaviors in various social circumstances as you attempt to gain a better understanding of your anxiety.
- Attempt some relaxation methods and stress-relieving breathing exercises.
- Break up difficult circumstances into manageable chunks, and practice feeling more at ease with each one, through a process called chunking.
- Try to pay attention to what other people are saying rather than automatically thinking the worst.
Those who experience anxiety disorders know how devastating it can be to their lives.
For instance, people could pass up a job opportunity that necessitates regular social interaction with strangers or refrain from going out to lunch with friends out of concern that their hands would shake while they eat or drink.
The severity of the symptoms may be so great that they considerably interfere with everyday activities, work performance, or social interactions. They can make it challenging to complete education, apply for jobs, obtain employment, maintain friendships, and build romantic connections. Despite these challenges, help is available for social anxiety if you're willing to seek it.
Janvi Kapur is a counselor with a Master's degree in applied psychology with a specialization in clinical psychology.
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