What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder (also known as social phobia) is a common mental health condition. It is characterized by an intense fear of entering social situations and being judged, evaluated, or rejected. Individuals with this condition often worry about what people are thinking and how their behavior will be seen by others. This results in withdrawal from social or public activities, along with feelings of fear, panic, or nervousness around others.

However, the good news is that social anxiety can be treated and managed. Below is a brief guide about this condition and how to seek help.

What it Feels Like

Social anxiety disorder can be an all-consuming condition where the mere thought of even going out in public can cause panic or nervousness. For some, social anxiety might feel like stage fright butterflies, but for others, it can feel like an emergency. Some of the most common situations that can trigger someone’s social anxiety include:

Going out in public
Social media
Speaking to strangers
Attending social engagements
Entering a room
Making eye contact
Eating in front of people
Going to school or work

It’s important to bear in mind that social anxiety presents differently in each person. What might be triggering for one person may be a breeze to another. However, what characterizes this condition is an ongoing feeling of anxiety when it comes to social situations.

Signs & Symptoms

While the signs differ between each person, there are a few universal symptoms of social anxiety:

Rapid heartbeat
Difficulty breathing or tightness in the chest
Dizziness and light-headedness
Stomach trouble (nausea, diarrhea, pain)
Blushing
De-realization or out-of-body sensations

These symptoms can occur immediately before an event or as early as a few days prior. Depending on the level of a person’s anxiety, the mere thought of social situations can create long-lasting symptoms.

Causes & Life Effects

The exact cause of social anxiety is not known, but current research supports a combination of genetics and environmental factors. Some of the life events that can lead to social anxiety include:

Bullying
Abuse (physical, emotional, sexual, mental)
Family conflict

The effects of social anxiety on one’s life can be mild or drastic, depending on the severity. While some find ways to cope, others may withdraw completely or suffer from panic attacks. The long-term effects of social anxiety can lead to other conditions such as depression, low self-esteem, over-sensitivity, and poor social skills.

How to Seek Help

Thankfully, treatment for social anxiety is readily available and ranges from medication to therapy to life adjustments. Two of the most common forms of treatment are:

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): this type of psychotherapy is one of the most effective methods of treating social anxiety. This approach teaches individuals how to change their underlying core beliefs and how they interpret their environment.
Medications: these include beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, anti-depressants, and other anti-anxiety medications.

Aside from these two treatment protocols, there are other activities you can incorporate into your daily routine. These include: