Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety
Have you noticed that you begin to develop sweaty palms and increased heart rate in public or social settings, or do you always find a way to avoid the social settings altogether?
These actions are closely related to what is termed social anxiety. The Anxiety and Depression Association of America has found that approximately 15 million adults in America suffer from social anxiety, with symptoms beginning as early as thirteen.
Here we will discuss what social anxiety is, the symptoms, and how it affects persons in their personal and work lives.
Understanding Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is an anxiety disorder that causes an individual to experience severe episodes of fear when placed in social settings.
When one has this type of anxiety, it makes it difficult for them to talk to or meet new people because of a genuine fear of being criticized by others.
Social anxiety disorder interferes with your personal and work life, limiting how you relate in these settings.
In work settings, persons may struggle with asking questions, speaking confidently, or going for a job interview. Within the workplace setting, some individuals experience what is called high functioning anxiety.
Professional individuals with high functioning anxiety do exceptionally well at their tasks and are often deemed, high achievers.
However, professionals with high functioning anxiety are exposed to other symptoms, including overthinking, overachieving, fear, dread of failure, worry digestive problems, and insomnia.
In a personal setting, a person may find it challenging to eat in public, go shopping, use public bathrooms, go to gatherings or parties, or speak on the phone.
It is possible to have selective social anxiety. This is where your social anxiety appears only in some social settings.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety
Some of the symptoms connected to social anxiety has been discussed above, but a more extensive list includes:
Nauseousness
Nervousness
Shaking
Inability to speak
Dizzy
Feelings of extreme worry before an event
Fear of being judged
What Causes Social Anxiety?
The exact cause or reason for social anxiety is not known, but it is closely linked to genetics and environmental situations.
It is also important to note that past negative experiences encourage this type of anxiety. These experiences include sexual assault, conflicts in the family, and bullying.
Research shows that children exposed to highly controlling or overprotective environments tend to develop social anxiety.
Can Social Anxiety be Treated?
The good news is social anxiety has many treatment options, including:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Exposure Therapy
Group Therapy
The above treatment options are carefully guided by a mental health professional.
Final Thoughts Not a mere experience of some of the symptoms confirms social anxiety. It has to be coupled with a constant fear of embarrassment in social settings, noticing your fears are unreasonable, and daily life becoming disrupted and consumed by anxiety in your personal and work life.
