Social anxiety

How would you feel if you had to give a presentation? Might you start sweating? Feel your body temperature rising? Feel very conscious that you are the centre of attention? Become increasingly aware of other physical symptoms such as shaky hands, a quivering voice and difficulties speaking properly? Sound familiar? 

If so, you may have social phobia, more commonly referred to these days as social anxiety disorder. But don’t worry – you are far from alone here. At least 12% of the population is likely to suffer from social anxiety, making this disorder more common than other anxiety issues such as generalised anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

What are the signs of social anxiety?

People with social anxiety have ongoing, high levels of anxiety about social or performance-driven conditions. In these situations, they feel like they are being scrutinised by others and can really feel quite embarrassed. Fear of public speaking is one of the most common fears, but people with social anxiety can feel anxious interacting with other people or even just being around them.

People with social anxiety typically recognise that their condition is unreasonable and problematic. They can worry for weeks or even months about forthcoming social events. The good news is that this disorder is very treatable.

Psychologists have evidenced how individuals experiencing social anxiety tend to latch onto a multitude of negative beliefs that work against them. For example:

What causes social anxiety?

Psychologists have suggested that these issues can often develop in childhood, and may be connected with overprotective parents, for example. Or they can emerge from growing up with socially anxious parents. Or from the child’s own experiences outside of the family. An earlier experience of being bullied is so very common in the patients I have seen in my own clinic.

Other factors have also been suggested, such as genetic predispositions, trait tendencies, and biological abnormalities. Often, a child may be unaware that something is wrong until they reach their teenage or early adult years.

People with social anxiety typically anticipate that social disasters will occur, and they repeatedly do things to avoid or escape situations in some way to help prevent or reduce the chances of such disasters. While this may feel helpful in the short term, longer-term the consequences are dire.

It has been sad to see the extent that my clients have literally shrunk the extent to which they live their lives. Yes, social anxiety can be quite a life-limiting disorder. It's been so rewarding to enable my clients to live fuller, happier and more rewarding lives by treating their social anxiety!

While avoidance/escape tactics are common, nonetheless social anxiety can be triggered by different everyday spontaneous experiences. Common triggers include:

• meeting new people
• being watched while doing something
• initiating/maintaining conversations
• public speaking
• performing on stage
• eating in front of others
• being teased or criticised
• talking with people perceived as 'important' 
• being called on in class
• asking someone on a date/going on a date
• going to parties or other social gatherings
• dealing with conflict
• asking for refunds
• attending interviews

Unless it is treated, social anxiety is one of those problems that tends not to go away by itself. The strategies relied upon by most people with social anxiety to help them cope tend to be the very things that keep the problem going. Thankfully, there are a number of effective treatments for social anxiety.

How can counselling help?

Psychotherapy has been proven to be highly effective in reducing social anxiety. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) in particular has been scientifically evidenced to be highly beneficial in treating the disorder.

If you think you may have social anxiety, you don’t need to keep suffering. Find a therapist, get the help you need, and get your life back!