Social Anxiety

What it is and how people are overcoming their social anxiety ...

social anxiety

Everyone has probably experienced a form of social anxiety, either while giving a speech, or walking into a room full of strangers. But the person with a social anxiety disorder might be unable to sign a receipt in front of others, or even talk on the telephone.

Sharing a meal in a restaurant with others might become so tortuous that it never takes place. Parties – even with friends and extended family members – are harrowing, and to be avoided at all costs (see Anxiety Treatment or Anxiety Counseling).

Individuals with social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, can have such overwhelming anxiety (see Anxiety) and uncontrolled self-consciousness over socializing that they simply cannot interact with anyone outside of immediate family members.

Or, those with social anxiety disorder can become excessively distressed only in certain social situations. Mental Health America describes these situations as fear of speaking formally or informally in front of others, or eating or drinking in front of others. Even anxiety over writing in front of others is a form of social anxiety disorder. And unfortunately, most individuals with the disorder can be especially sensitive to criticism.

Additionally, the Mayoclinic.com website states that using a public restroom, returning things to stores, being introduced to strangers, and ordering food in any type of food establishment are possible anxiety-provokers for those with social anxiety disorder.

Normal anxiety vs. problematic

What separates someone with the social anxiety disorder from someone who is merely “shy”? The level of fear and distress, and the negative impact on an individual’s life separate shyness from the disorder.

Anxiety levels soar to such heights that those with the disorder will completely avoid the troublesome situations, refusing to go, cancelling at the last minute, or in more extreme cases, refuse even to leave the house. Those with the disorder will perseverate over an upcoming social situation days or weeks before the event.

Careers, educational goals, and relationships all suffer. Lives become engineered around avoiding any situations or social encounters that could trigger oppressive fear and anxiety.

In many cases, those with this debilitating condition have physical reactions as well. The physical symptoms of the disorder include:

  • Exorbitant perspiring and sweating
  • Jitteriness or shaking
  • Stomach aches and nausea
  • Muscle aches and pains
  • Unexplained flu-like symptoms
  • An inability to talk or voice shakiness
  • Trouble making eye contact
  • Knees buckling

Additional disorders

Social anxiety is categorized as an anxiety disorder. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA) states that this disorder, also categorized as a social phobia, affects 15 million Americans. According to the ADAA, the typical age of onset is 13 years old. One of the most troubling statistics, 36% of people with the disorder have the paralyzing symptoms of the disorder at least 10 years before seeking help.

It often co-occurs with one of the other anxiety disorders, which include post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and one of the other specific phobias.

The low self-esteem that individuals with social anxiety disorder experience often leads to other mental health disorders, such as depression, substance abuse, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Those with the disorder often recognize their irrational fears concerning social interactions and situations, yet they still can’t control their distressful reactions. In fact, just knowing that they have the disorder keeps many away from any situations that could trigger fear and anxiety.

Treatment helps

Throughout the course of a lifetime, someone with social anxiety disorder will have symptoms that vary significantly in severity. It’s a disorder that typically stays with an individual, but the promising outcomes of treatment for the condition make it highly manageable.

Mental health professionals use both psychotherapeutic techniques and medications to help those with the disorder. The MayoClinic.com website states that a type of psychotherapy called cognitive behavioral therapy (see Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) improves symptoms in up to 75% of individuals. Relaxation and stress management interventions are also tools that counselors and therapists use to treat the condition. (For more information on cognitive behavioral therapy, see article on Anxiety Treatments and Anxiety Counseling.)

If you desire to help individuals overcome and control symptoms associated with social anxiety disorder, or any other anxiety and mental health disorder, consider a career as a counselor or therapist.

The field of Mental Health Counseling needs committed individuals with a background in psychology, requiring at least a master’s degree and state licensing.

Contact schools today to request information about entering the field of Mental Health Counseling, or about pursuing a counseling degree.

Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder

Scientists studying the cause of mental health disorders such as social anxiety disorder now believe that a number of influences and factors come together to form this disorder. Genes or genetics most likely play a major role, combined with biological factors and learning throughout each developmental stage.

Can I inherit social anxiety disorder? Research findings show that those who have biological parents or siblings with the disorder are somewhat more likely to inherit social anxiety disorder.

Does brain chemistry cause social anxiety disorder? Numerous research studies conducted by neuroscientists today are attempting to uncover a neurological basis for numerous mental health conditions, including social anxiety disorder. This is a relatively young area of study, and pinpointing specific brain structures or neuronal processes affecting anxiety are yet to be identified with 100% accuracy and certainty (see Brain Structure).

However, studies do show that the amygdala, a small, almond-shaped structure in the brain’s center is more active in those with social anxiety disorder.

Do my life experiences or environment cause social anxiety disorder? Studies have shown that children who are teased, humiliated, bullied, rejected by others, or made to feel different than others are more likely to develop social anxiety disorder.

Having overly protective parents has also been linked to the development of the disorder in addition to witnessing anxiety displayed by others in highly stressful environments. This leads some researchers to theorize that social anxiety disorder is a learned behavior.

Does my gender contribute to social anxiety disorder? Statistics show that more women have social anxiety disorder than men.