Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), or simply social anxiety, is a problem that affects numerous individuals from all over the globe. It makes simple situations, such as talking to others seem really hard and scary. Understanding social anxiety is relevant because it impacts the way that we live and feel about other people on a daily basis.
For those who struggle with social anxiety, even the simplest tasks can turn out to be too much to handle. Picture yourself in a class or in a meeting, where you have to stand up and deliver a project in front of others… just the idea of doing this can easily fill you with fear and panic. You may sweat, shake or be unable to go through with the situation at all. You see, this is not just about being shy, it’s a real fear; and that can make it difficult for someone to participate in social situations.
Statistics from recent years indicate that social anxiety is on the rise, particularly among younger populations. One possible factor contributing to this increase is the rise of social media. Many young people on platforms like Instagram and TikTok feel pressure to present a perfect image. This can create added anxiety about how others see you, making face-to-face socializing even more difficult.
In addition, social anxiety can impact daily life. It can affect one’s ability to make friends, get involved in group activities or even go to work. A student who is socially fearful might opt not to raise his or her hand in the classroom, even when they know the answer to a question. Or an employee may have a hard time collaborating with the other members of the staff because they don’t like working with others. Over time, these kinds of avoidance can result in loneliness and a decline in self-esteem, which makes matters more difficult.
But it is important to note that social anxiety is a manageable condition. Many individuals seek assistance through therapy, especially cognitive behavioral therapy, where they can acquire strategies to cope with their emotions. Some might also find it helpful to talk with friends or family about their own lives. And effective treatments, which include exposing people directly to what they are most afraid of for a sustained period of time (known as exposure therapy), can be really helpful, helping people with social anxiety feel more at ease in the presence of others.
Social anxiety disorder can be a devastating condition for those going through it. If we understand this plight and how it is manifested, maybe we can make the world more supportive to those who are suffering. With appropriate assistance, even people with social anxiety can learn to control their fears and experience the pleasures of bonding interpersonally. Awareness is the first step in assisting ourselves and others through these issues.
If you or someone you love has been experiencing social anxiety, Arbor Wellness can help. Call us to discover the support and resources that can assist you in overcoming your anxiety. Our compassionate team is committed to caring just for you.
Sources:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Social_anxiety_disorder
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Panic_attack
https://mhanational.org/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/brainsnacks/201203/the-only-5-fears-we-all-share
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561
https://nationalsocialanxietycenter.com/2023/05/12/social-anxiety-in-times-of-social-change/
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32941482/
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/22709-social-anxiety
https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder
https://www.verywellmind.com/how-to-cope-with-loneliness-3144939
https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/exposure-therapy
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/25067-exposure-therapy
https://www.verywellmind.com/practice-social-anxiety-disorder-exposure-therapy-3024845
