They say there are two types of people: those who enjoy being in the spotlight and those who dislike being the center of attention. The first group exudes confidence and enjoys the limelight, but the latter experiences discomfort and uneasiness around other people, whether acquaintances or not.
Now, this is what you call shyness. It is a feeling of awkwardness and discomfort when you are around others or the center of attention. It is also an overwhelming feeling of concern about what others think of you.
Being bashful is very normal. People from many walks of life are naturally timid — whether at school, work, or at home. According to research, about half of all teenagers consider themselves shy. Shyness is especially visible in children, as we witness them huddle behind their parents during social interactions. Shyness is still a prevalent trait in adults that can manifest itself in a variety of circumstances.
Shyness perceptions are also culturally based. Being shy is considered a favorable attribute in Asia, yet it is frowned upon in the United States.
To be clear, shyness is not a mental health disorder. It is neither a bad attribute or a character flaw, but rather one of the characteristics of someone who is timid. It only becomes a mental health issue when it prevents us from developing connections or interfering with our ability to interact, do new things, or pursue life or job opportunities.
Shyness and Introversion: What’s the difference?
Although many of us believe that being shy and introverted are the same thing, there are significant variations between the two. First, shyness is an emotion; introversion is a personality trait.
Shy persons experience uneasiness when forced to interact in social circumstances. You can see them tense and become all sweaty, and they sometimes develop stomach aches from being so uncomfortable around others. Introverts, on the other hand, can be sociable and like parties, but they prefer to be alone or with a small group of friends. They recharge by being alone and often seek calm environments. They enjoy solo activities and familiar places or spending time with close friends.
NOTE:
If you believe you are an introvert and your anxiety symptoms are getting the better of you, do not hesitate to seek expert help. Arbor Wellness Mental Healthcare in Las Vegas, Nevada can help you understand and manage stressors that have a significant impact on your everyday life.
When does shyness become an issue?
Shyness, like all other emotions, fluctuates in intensity. Others may feel a minor amount of discomfort when placed under the limelight and easily overcome it, however for others, the sense of awkwardness or discomfort can be so debilitating that they suffer great panic and develop an anxiety attack. In situations like this, concern arises as the shy individual shows signs of a mental health issue.
Unfortunately, extreme shyness can have a negative impact on an individual’s self-esteem and confidence to the point that it can lead to mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and social phobia. When this happens, seeking the assistance of a mental health expert should be top of the list. Psychotherapists, such as those at Arbor Wellness in Las Vegas, Nevada can help you overcome extreme shyness and gain confidence to live as a better version of yourself.
Shy no more: Overcoming shyness
Getting control of one’s shyness is no easy task. It takes patience to practice good social habits and gradually gain confidence, one step at a time. Do not pressure yourself to quickly warm up to others; instead, pick up the pace that you are comfortable with.
Learn relaxing techniques such as deep breathing and meditation to improve your awareness and mindfulness when dealing with others.
If necessary, seek therapy. A therapist can help you understand the underlying reason of your shyness, educate you on how to manage physical symptoms associated with social anxiety and build methods for navigating difficult social settings.
Remember, it is normal to feel self-conscious at times; everyone does at some point in their lives. But don’t allow it to get the best of you and interfere with your capacity to connect with others. To overcome shyness while remaining authentic to yourself, learn to be assertive and develop confident body language.
Arbor Wellness is committed and happy to see you live your mental strength. For further information, please call 702-830-9588. Allow our team of competent medical specialists to assist you in realizing your full potential for a successful life.
Sources:
https://www.betterup.com/blog/how-to-not-be-shy
https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/shyness.html?ref=search
https://www.webmd.com/balance/introvert-personality-overview
https://www.harleytherapy.co.uk/counselling/shyness-in-adults.htm
https://www.betterup.com/blog/what-is-shyness
https://www.healthline.com/health/shyness
https://www.apa.org/news/podcasts/speaking-of-psychology/managing-shyness
https://mhanational.org/introversion-vs-social-anxiety