Social Anxiety
Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, refers to a profound fear of social interactions. Whilst it is normal to feel nervous before (and during) many everyday social activities, such as giving a presentation at work, social anxiety is driven by an intense fear of being humiliated, judged, or criticised in the presence of other people.
In the case of social anxiety, the fear of being scrutinized often occurs during ordinary social situations, such as eating lunch at a café, performing tasks at work, or when using public transport. People who experience social anxiety may excessively worry about embarrassing oneself or being rejected by others. Sometimes this can lead to the avoidance of social situations, which can be isolating and interfere immensely with everyday aspects of life. For example, getting a job, going to work, maintaining social relationships, grocery shopping, using public transport, and even seeking help.
Symptoms of social anxiety include:
feeling anxious in social settings, for example, experiencing an increased heart rate, sweating, feeling dizzy, and difficulty concentrating
feeling particularly self-conscious around other people, for example, blushing or stammering when speaking
stomach issues, for example, feeling nauseous or having diarrhoea
replaying social situations in your head, particularly things you think you did “wrong”
If you feel that social anxiety may be holding you back in life or creating excessive discomfort, it may be time to seek professional help. Social anxiety is a treatable condition, with many evidence-based and effective treatment options available that can be tailored to meet the needs of the individual. With compassionate guidance, you can start to manage your symptoms and live a fulfilling and meaningful life.