Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a
long-term and overwhelming fear of social situations
. It's a common problem that usually starts during the teenage years. It can be very distressing and have a big impact on your life. For some people it gets better as they get older.
Social anxiety disorder usually comes on 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, as are children with overbearing or controlling parents.
Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is
a mental health condition
. It is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and your other day-to-day activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends.
In fact, according to a 2014 review of studies, for nearly 70 percent of people diagnosed with both disorders,
social anxiety comes first, then depression
. In many instances, social anxiety causes depression. If you have social anxiety, you may have trouble making friends and maintaining close relationships.
- Meeting new people.
- Talking to co-workers or friends.
- Inviting others to do things.
- Going to social events (e.g. parties or dinners)
- Dating.
- Being assertive.
- Expressing opinions.
- Talking on the phone.
The exact cause of social phobia
is unknown
. However, current research supports the idea that it is caused by a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Negative experiences also may contribute to this disorder, including: bullying.
- Control Your Breathing.
- Try Exercise or Progressive Muscle Relaxation.
- Prepare.
- Start Small.
- Take the Focus Off Yourself.
- Talk Back to Negative Thoughts.
- Use Your Senses.
Left untreated, social anxiety disorder
can control your life
. Anxieties can interfere with work, school, relationships or enjoyment of life. This disorder can cause: Low self-esteem.
Environmental Influences and Stressful Life Experiences
as a Cause of Social Anxiety. Stressful life events and trauma during childhood can influence the development of social anxiety problems. Some of the exposures known to have predictive value for severe social anxiety include: Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
- Why Are You so Quiet?
- You Just Need to Think Positive.
- You Just Need to Face Your Fears.
- I Know How You Feel; I'm Shy, Too.
- Why Don't You Have a Drink to Loosen Up?
- Let Me Order for You.
- Wow, Your Face Just Turned Really Red.
- Share Things About Yourself First. …
- Be Patient. …
- Hone In on Interests. …
- Watch Your Body Language. …
- Avoid Personal Questions. …
- Don't Interrupt Their Train of Thought. …
- Suggest an Activity.
When severe or chronic, social
anxiety
can lead to the development of other conditions, such as depression or substance use disorders. In children, the symptoms appear in interactions with both adults and peers. Their feelings of anxiety might appear as: crying.
Is Social Anxiety curable?
Social anxiety is
a fully treatable condition
and can be overcome with effective therapy, work, and patience.
What is the Glossophobia?
Glossophobia isn't a dangerous disease or chronic condition. It's
the medical term for the fear of public speaking
. And it affects as many as four out of 10 Americans. For those affected, speaking in front of a group can trigger feelings of discomfort and anxiety.
Shyness and social anxiety disorder are two different things. Shyness is a personality trait. Many people who are shy do not have the negative emotions and feelings that accompany social anxiety disorder.
They live a normal life
, and do not view shyness as a negative trait.
A simplified version of what goes on in the brain:
We can say that
no one is “born” with social anxiety
. You may remember circumstances and events from very early in life, but there is no “gene” that codes for social anxiety, and there is not an immutable set of genes that cause social anxiety to occur.
