What is Social Anxiety?

What Is Social Anxiety? An Overview

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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. 
However, when the nervousness becomes severe in intensity or occurs too frequently, it can affect your ability to interact with others and it can influence your social behavior negatively. Social anxiety can also create an adverse impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence. 
Hence, it is important to be aware of what social anxiety means and why it occurs so that you can take appropriate steps to avoid it. 

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 make them uncomfortable. They also tend to flush or feel physically anxious in the presence of others, especially strangers or people they feel intimidated by.
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 room, especially when a number of people are already present
• 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 to them. [1]
The symptoms and characteristics each patient experiences varies depending on their past experiences - both pleasant and unpleasant. [2]
For example, if they have bitter memories of how they were bullied at school, they may fear facing similar situations while at the workplace. This may lead to social anxiety that becomes worse while in meetings or giving a presentation.
On the other hand, if they have received praise for their talent and capabilities to make a presentation, they may not develop anxiety at the workplace. 

What causes social anxiety?

In most cases, the socially anxious people have reasons, usually an unpleasant event they have experienced, for dreading certain situations. [3]
However, 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 it is important to 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

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

​In Conclusion, It is possible to control the symptoms of social anxiety by seeking appropriate treatment including counseling and behavioral therapy. The use of medications may be recommended in severe cases of social anxiety to help a person feel at ease.

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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