7 Signs You’re not just Shy, You Suffer from Social Anxiety
Anxiety is common and something that everyone has experienced in some capacity in their life. It can be minor and infrequent or consistent and downright debilitating. Anxiety is your body’s natural response to stress and way of altering you of an imminent threat. However, for the 248 million people who suffer from an anxiety disorder around the world, this natural response can go into overdrive and become overwhelming and destructive.
An anxiety disorder is extreme, excessive, and intrusive worry or fear that affects your daily life. There are several different types of anxiety disorders and while they are each unique, they share a lot of the same symptoms.
TYPES OF ANXIETY INCLUDE:
panic disorders
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
separation anxiety
social anxiety
phobias
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY?
Social anxiety is one of the most common forms of anxiety, and the third-largest psychological problem in the United States today. However, despite its prevalence, it is also one of the most misunderstood forms of anxiety. Many people who struggle with this disorder assume they are just extremely shy, introverted, or maybe even socially awkward when the truth is their body is trying to cope with the effects of social anxiety.
According to The Anxiety and Depression Association of America, “The defining feature of social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is intense anxiety or fear of being judged negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. Although they recognize that their fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder often feel powerless against their anxiety."
THIS FEAR AFFECTS APPROXIMATELY 15 MILLION AMERICAN ADULTS WHO SUFFER FROM SOCIAL ANXIETY, NEGATIVELY IMPACTING THEIR ABILITY TO INTERACT IN EVERYDAY SOCIAL SITUATIONS AND PERFORMANCE AT WORK OR SCHOOL.
For people who have social anxiety, just the thought of a social gathering (of any size) can lead to unhealthy levels of stress, and in some cases, result in them avoiding these sorts of interactions altogether.
SYMPTOMS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY
Social anxiety manifests in several ways including physical, cognitive, and behavioral symptoms. Here are a few examples of symptoms someone with social anxiety might experience.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
rapid heart rate
dizziness or lightheadedness
blushing
nausea
excessive sweating
trembling or shaking
difficulty speaking
COGNITIVE SYMPTOMS
Excessive worry about social situations and interactions
Avoiding social situations altogether or attempting to “hide” in the background
Fear of embarrassment around other people
Nervousness that other people will notice your stress or anxiety
The need for alcohol or other substance to face a social situation
BEHAVIORAL SYMPTOMS
Refusal to asking a question or bring up an idea in a meeting or classroom
Avoiding job interviews for fear of failure or embarrassment
Staying away from public places like shopping centers or community events
Avoiding eating in public or using public restrooms
7 SIGNS THAT YOU MIGHT SUFFER FROM SOCIAL ANXIETY
While you may check some of the boxes above regarding social anxiety symptoms, you may still be wondering whether or not what you are experiencing is social anxiety. Here are 10 signs that you might suffer from social anxiety:
YOU ARE ALWAYS SELF-CONSCIOUS
You are extremely fearful of being judged by others based on how you look or act.
YOUR ANXIETY FEELS OUT OF HAND
You have Irrational fears about social interaction that go far beyond butterflies before public speaking or normal nerves before a job interview.
YOUR ANXIETY INTERFERES WITH YOUR ABILITY TO PERFORM AT WORK OR SCHOOL
You avoid raising your hand or speaking up in meetings, and you may even be afraid to succeed in these areas for fear of drawing too much attention.
YOUR FEARS AFFECT YOUR RELATIONSHIPS
People with social anxiety are constantly worried about doing or saying something that will be judged by the people around them, even if those people are close friends. This can make it difficult to obtain and maintain close friendships or partnerships.
YOU ARE A CHRONIC OVER-ANALYZER
You often over-analyze social interactions. For example, if someone was short with you, you may stress about it for days and assume that a person must not like you or that they are upset with you for some reason.
YOU COMPLETELY AVOID SOCIAL SITUATIONS WHEN POSSIBLE
You are often the first to decline invitations or come up with excuses for why you can't attend an after-hours event with coworkers, a friend’s birthday party, or any other situation where you will be forced to engage socially.
YOU HAVE PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS THAT ACCOMPANY YOUR ANXIETY
You may experience sweaty palms, racing heartbeat, lightheadedness, or a number of other physical symptoms when you are in social situations.
HOW TO OVERCOME SOCIAL ANXIETY
If the above signs and symptoms sound painfully familiar, you may be one of the 15 million Americans who suffer from social anxiety. Luckily, there are proven steps you can take to loosen its grip on your life.
SOCIAL ANXIETY TREATMENTS
SELF-HELP
Things like meditation and mindfulness practices can go a long way when it comes to overcoming social anxiety. Learning how to love yourself better and refocus your energy on what you are good at and what you can offer the world can help lay a mentally strong foundation so you can embrace social situations with confidence.
THERAPY
Cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you address negative thought-patterns and give you the tools you need to cope with social situations. a form of psychotherapy that addresses current problems and reframes negative thinking, can be very helpful. There are also other forms of therapy including group therapy and immersion therapy that can be very helpful in breaking the hold social anxiety has on your life.
MEDICATION
In some cases, your doctor may recommend taking medication to alleviate the effects of social anxiety. Certain medications can help minimize the physical response to your anxiety, helping you focus on building your mental strength through therapy or self-help strategies. These medications are usually only prescribed for short periods and should be approached with great care and caution as they can be highly addictive.
The good news is that social anxiety is treatable and those who suffer from it are not doomed. Between cognitive behavioral therapy, self-help strategies, medication, or a combination of each, people with social anxiety can go on to live more complete and confident lives.
To learn more about Brave Grand Rapids, or to speak with one of our licensed therapists, click the link below.
