What is Social Anxiety?

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​Social anxiety is something that all of us have experienced at one point in life. It is the feeling of being uncomfortable or nervous in a social situation. While social anxiety to a degree is normal, it becomes a disorder when social anxiety becomes dysfunctional.  

Social Anxiety can affect your ability to interact with others, and it can influence your social behavior negatively. It can also create an adverse impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence. 
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It is important to be aware of what social anxiety means and why it occurs so that you can take appropriate steps to manage it. 
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What are the signs of social anxiety?

Patients who suffer from social anxiety often prefer to avoid any social events. Things usually considered “normal” by others such as making eye contact and small talk can make them feel uncomfortable. They also tend to flush or feel physically anxious in the presence of others, especially strangers or people they feel intimidated by.
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Some other symptoms of social anxiety include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Trembling of hands
• Increased sweating
• Shaky voice
• Dizziness
• Muscle tension
• Inability to your catch breath
• Stomach upset

When does social anxiety occur?

​Each person with social anxiety experiences difficulties in interacting with others but in different ways.

Here are some common situations in which you may have trouble:

• Speaking at public events
• Talking to strangers
• Going to parties
• Starting conversations
• Entering a crowded room
• Dating
• Going to school or work
• Making eye contact while talking
• Eating in front of other people

Not all of these situations cause discomfort in patients with social anxiety. For example; some people may be able to give a speech with confidence but going to a party seems like a nightmare. [1]

The symptoms and characteristics each patient experiences varies depending on their past experiences, both pleasant and unpleasant. [2]

If you have bitter memories of how you were bullied at school, you may fear facing similar situations in the workplace. This may lead to social anxiety that becomes worse while in meetings or giving a presentation.
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What causes social anxiety?

In most cases, socially anxious people have reasons why they are anxious related to an unpleasant event they have experienced in the past [3]

​In general, it is the overwhelming fear and anxiety of:

• Being humiliated and embarrassed
• Being judged by others
• Being the center of attention
• Offending someone accidentally

Why identify and treat social anxiety?

Social anxiety can compel you to avoid situations that people usually consider “normal”. This can prevent you from enjoying your life and create a sense of hopelessness.

Avoiding most or all social situations may even affect your personal relationships. Over a period of time, it can also lead to:

• Poor social skills
• Low self-esteem
• Increased sensitivity to criticism
• Depression

Thus, it is important to seek proper treatment in order to avoid the impact of social anxiety on your life. [4]

​It is very possible to control the symptoms of social anxiety by seeking appropriate treatment including counseling, behavioral therapy, and/or medication. The use of medications may be recommended in severe cases of social anxiety to help a person feel at ease. If you believe you suffer from social anxiety, now is the time to reach out and schedule an appointment today.  

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder#1
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml
3. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder
4. https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder#2

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