Introduction:
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder where a person has a fear of social situations or situations where they may be scrutinized by others. People with social anxiety often experience excessive self-consciousness, fear of judgment or criticism, and have a strong desire to avoid social situations.
This fear can be so intense that it interferes with their ability to function in everyday life, such as going to school, work, or even leaving the house. Social anxiety is a common mental health condition and can be treated with therapy.
Signs and Symptoms:
The signs and symptoms of social anxiety can vary from person to person, but some common indicators include:
- Fear of being judged or evaluated by others
- Avoidance of social situations, such as parties, meetings, or gatherings
- Intense anxiety or panic in social situations
- Physical symptoms like sweating, blushing, trembling, or nausea in social situations
- Difficulty speaking, stuttering, or freezing up in social situations
- Excessive self-consciousness or self-doubt
- Obsessive worry before, during, and after social events
- Difficulty making eye contact or talking to people in authority
- Fear of being embarrassed or humiliated in front of others
- Isolation and loneliness due to social anxiety.
Causes:
The causes of social anxiety are not fully understood, but they are believed to be a combination of genetic, environmental, and psychological factors.
Some possible causes of social anxiety include:
- Genetics: Social anxiety may run in families, suggesting a genetic predisposition.
- Brain chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters, particularly serotonin, dopamine, and norepinephrine, may contribute to social anxiety.
- Environmental factors: Experiences such as bullying, rejection, or trauma can contribute to the development of social anxiety.
- Personality: People with certain personality traits, such as shyness or introversion, may be more prone to social anxiety.
- Learned behaviour: Social anxiety can be learned through past negative experiences or modelling behaviour from others who are socially anxious.
- Cultural factors: Some cultures may place a higher emphasis on social norms and expectations, which can contribute to social anxiety in individuals who feel pressure to conform.
It's important to note that social anxiety is a complex disorder and the causes may vary from person to person.
Happetive, your mental wellbeing companion, understands the importance of mental health in daily life. We offer Self-Help Tools and self-care resources, with Therapy Support available whenever you need it.