Social Anxiety - What is it, really?

Ask a Therapist Mental Health Conditions
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Hey everyone!

Today, I want to shine a light on something that affects many of us - social anxiety. It’s a mental health condition that can make social interactions challenging, but it’s important to remember that you’re not alone, and there are ways to manage it.

What is Social Anxiety? Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations or performance situations where you feel judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized.

Here are some common symptoms and signs:

  1. Excessive Self-Consciousness: Feeling overly aware of yourself, your actions, and what others might be thinking about you.
  2. Intense Fear of Judgment: Worrying excessively about being negatively evaluated or criticized by others.
  3. Physical Symptoms: Experiencing physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, blushing, or a racing heart when in social situations.
  4. Avoidance: Avoiding social situations or enduring them with extreme distress.
  5. Negative Self-Talk: Engaging in self-critical thoughts and believing that others see you negatively.

Here are some strategies for coping with Social Anxiety:

  1. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Learn to identify and challenge negative thought patterns that contribute to your anxiety by replacing them with more realistic and positive thoughts.

  2. Exposure Therapy: Gradually face your feared social situations with the support of a therapist or trusted friend. This can help desensitize your anxiety over time and helps to expand how much you can tolerate, a little by little.

  3. Relaxation Techniques: Practice deep breathing, mindfulness, or progressive muscle relaxation to manage physical symptoms of anxiety.

  4. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is an evidence-based therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thought and behavior patterns associated with social anxiety.

All of these strategies can be helpful in some way, but please do remember to seek professional guidance from a mental health therapist if you’re experiencing social anxiety.

Now, let’s engage in some discussion:

  • Have you or someone you know experienced social anxiety? What were some signs that you have noticed or observed about the person? Was it clear and obvious that the person has social anxiety, or was it difficult to tell?

  • How do you think we can create more understanding and support for individuals dealing with social anxiety in our schools and communities?

Please do remember, it’s okay to seek help if social anxiety is interfering with your daily life. You deserve support, and there are people and resources available to help you navigate this condition. :muscle::speech_balloon:

Let us know what you think!

4 Likes
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Yes, i have a friend who has experienced social anxiety.

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we can support those with anxiety by normalising the symptoms and things these ppl go thru

4

my thoughts is we should understand more about people who have social anxiety its really important.

5

Social Anxiety feels like everybody arounds ypu hates you and you hate yourself too

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We should try to raise more awareness on social anxiety and how to help others

7

Sometimes I suffer from social anxiety, it just hits me when I am just mot ready to meet new people and it causes quite some negative thoughts for me.

8

I have social anxiety myself😭

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I observe that the person gets very scared when he or she is around a crowd, or does not like to socialise and reject interactions from other

10

Social anxiety is a pressing issue that teenagers of today would need to tackle as it affects their very own wellbeing and their future

11

Sometimes, I have insatiable greed for more fame and wealth. Maybe I’m just self-conscious idk

12

yes i know who experience
they are very self conscious

we can encourage them to take a break from social media

13

I think that schools can create a platform where students can share their feelings or talk to someone about their troubles

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Hi, I’ve experienced social anxiety before in situations where I begin stuttering and feeling nervous.

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we as individuals can be more open-minded and inclusive in our different environments. For example, students in school can be more inclusive by inviting others to recess or group activities :slight_smile:

16

When you go to a crowded area and suddenly ur hands will be shaking

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We should be more open-minded and include people on our lives more

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Be less judging and try to understand their challenges

19

We can empathise and support people with social anxiety

20

Personally experienced before.
(Cos of Covid)

Give some space and more understanding & empathy!