Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is the fear of social situations that involve interaction with other people.

Social anxiety is the fear and anxiety of being negatively judged and evaluated by others.

It is a pervasive disorder. It causes anxiety and fear in almost all areas of a person's life.
The defining feature of social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation.

People with a social anxiety disorder may worry about acting or appearing visibly anxious (e.g., blushing, stumbling over words) or being viewed as stupid, awkward, or boring.

As a result, they often avoid social or performance situations, and when a problem cannot be avoided, they experience significant anxiety and distress.

Many people with a social anxiety disorder experience intense physical symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, nausea, and sweating.

In addition, they may experience full-blown attacks when confronting a feared situation.

Although they recognize their fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder often feel powerless against their anxiety.

Social anxiety disorder affects approximately 15 million American adults and is the second most commonly diagnosed anxiety disorder following specific phobia.

The average onset of social anxiety disorder is during the teenage years.

Although individuals diagnosed with social anxiety disorder commonly report extreme shyness in childhood, it is essential to note that this disorder is not simply shyness.

Social anxiety disorder can wreak havoc on the lives of those who suffer from it.

For example, individuals may decline a job opportunity that requires frequent interaction with new people or avoid going out to eat with friends due to a fear that their hands will shake when eating or drinking.

Symptoms may be so extreme that they disrupt daily life and can interfere significantly with daily routines, occupational performance, or social life, making it difficult to complete school, interview and get a job, and have friendships and romantic relationships.

People with social anxiety disorder are also at an increased risk for developing the major depressive disorder and alcohol use disorders.

When Does It Happen?

Anyone with social anxiety disorder can experience it in different ways.

But here are some everyday situations that people tend to have trouble with:
  • Talking to strangers
  • Speaking in public
  • Dating
  • Making eye contact
  • Entering rooms
  • Using public restrooms
  • Going to parties
  • Eating in front of other people
  • Going to school or work
  • Starting conversations

What Does It Feel Like?

Again, the experience may be different for everyone.

Still, suppose you have social anxiety and are in a stressful situation. In that case, you might have physical symptoms like
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Muscle tension
  • Dizziness and light-headedness
  • Stomach trouble and diarrhea
  • Inability to catch breath
  • “Out-of-body” sensation
You may start having symptoms and getting anxious immediately before an event or spend weeks worrying about it.

Afterward, you could spend much time and mental energy worrying about how you acted.

What Causes It?

No one thing causes social anxiety disorder.

Genetics likely has something to do with it: If you have a family member with social phobia, you’re more at risk of having it, too.

It could also be linked to having an overactive amygdala -- the part of the brain that controls your fear response.

Social anxiety disorder usually occurs at around 13 years of age.

It can be linked to a history of abuse, bullying, or teasing.

Shy kids are also more likely to become socially anxious adults than children with overbearing or controlling parents.

If you develop a health condition that draws attention to your appearance or voice, that could trigger social anxiety, too.

How It Affects Your Life

Social anxiety disorder prevents you from living your life.

You’ll avoid situations that most people consider “normal.”

You might even have difficulty understanding how others can handle them so quickly.

When you avoid all or most social situations, it affects your relationships.

It can also lead to the following:
  • Low self-esteem
  • Negative thoughts
  • Depression
  • Sensitivity to criticism
  • Poor social skills that don’t improve