You’ve probably heard of social anxiety. It’s a term used loosely at times when someone isn’t in the mood to socialize. However, not always being in the mood to socialize is normal. But true social anxiety is much more than that.
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a fear of being judged by others, feeling highly self-conscious in social situations, and avoiding meeting new people. It’s also known as social phobia. Social anxiety disorder makes it hard to create meaningful connections with others. It can even make it hard for people to complete everyday tasks.
For instance, someone with social anxiety disorder may feel so terrified of being called on to answer a question in class that their heart races, and they start feeling dizzy and/or sick. Or perhaps they feel this way about meeting with their boss at work. They may avoid attending important life events, like a friend’s wedding because they’re afraid of having to meet and interact with new people. Using a public restroom or speaking to the cashier at a store is extremely difficult.
Sometimes, these people may turn to substances like alcohol to help them cope. And over time, it can prevent people from reaching their full potential.
Living with social anxiety disorder is hard. Especially in a society built around social connection. So how can you tell if you have social anxiety disorder and how do you get help?
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
First, let’s look at common symptoms people with social anxiety disorder experience in social situations:
Sweating
Rapid heart rate
Trembling
Mind going “blank”
Nausea
Avoiding public or social places
Afraid of judgment
Excessively self-conscious or constant feelings of embarrassment and awkwardness
Difficulty making eye contact
Meeting new people feels scary
With social anxiety disorder, people often want to make connections with others, be able to exist in public comfortably, or meet new people. But their fear and physical symptoms make it near impossible to do so.
What Social Anxiety Disorder Feels and Looks Like
Some examples of social anxiety in action were mentioned above, such as being terrified to be called on in class. It’s easy to think that social anxiety is strictly an issue when attending a party or performing icebreakers in a new group.
However, it is a complex disorder. While it does involve struggling at parties, it also involves much more. Someone with this disorder may be convinced people are frowning or glaring at them when, in reality, they are not. They might feel highly discouraged after talking with people and become fearful of this feeling happening in the future.
Social anxiety disorder can also revolve around a sense of performance. Someone may find it near impossible to eat or drink in front of others, let alone give a presentation at work. They may find it difficult to play a team sport or partake in performing arts.
Important Indicators
In addition to experiencing the above symptoms in social situations, there are a couple of important aspects that indicate this as being social anxiety disorder:
Symptoms persist for more than 6 months
Worries occur days or even weeks prior to anything happening
Everyday tasks cannot be completed
Relationships suffer
Deep fear of humiliation, rejection, or judgment
May have been present since childhood
Persistent symptoms, combined with an inability to function normally in everyday life, are big indicators that social anxiety disorder is at play. But what can be done about it?
Treatment
The good news is that there are effective treatments to combat social anxiety disorder. The first step is to see a mental health professional to get assessed and possibly diagnosed. At that point, social anxiety disorder is commonly treated with psychotherapy. In therapy, you will learn healthy coping mechanisms and helpful skills to improve your quality of life.
In some cases, medication may also be helpful in managing symptoms. Support groups are also an option. You are not alone in having a social anxiety disorder. Others also face struggles like you. Support groups can help you create connections with people in the same boat as you and create a good foundation of social skills to help you meet new people, too.
If you’re struggling socially, reach out today to learn about anxiety treatment and how you can get started on a path of healing and confidence.
