Social anxiety & social phobia
Almost everyone feels nervous now and then in social situations, such as when giving a speech or at job interviews. For most people this anxiety passes fairly quickly and causes little disruption or distress. But when social anxiety is persistent, intense and distressing, and/or causes people to avoid particular social activities, it is classified as a phobia.People with social phobia tend to feel fearful meeting new people or when they might be observed or evaluated. They are often concerned that they will embarrass or humiliate themselves, or that others will think badly of them. They may fear a wide range of social interactions, or just specific situations, such as public speaking. Common fears for people with social phobia include:
"I won't know what to say / My mind will go blank"Social anxiety can be accompanied by strong physiological symptoms of anxiety such as trembling, blushing, sweating, a shaky voice, or a pounding heart. To keep control of themselves, people who experience strong social anxiety often try to avoid the situations that trigger their anxiety reactions. Situations commonly avoided by sufferers of social phobia include:
"I won't be funny / interesting / knowledgeable enough"
"I'll say something wrong"
"Everyone will see how anxious I am and think I'm pathetic"
"They'll think I'm strange or stupid"
- Parties
- Public speaking
- Contributing to meetings, discussions, or classes
- Making conversation, either one on one or in groups
- Meeting new people
- Dating
- Being assertive
- Being out in public, e.g. at shopping centres or in crowds
Social avoidance can interfere with career progress, making friends, enjoying work and social life, having intimate relationships, and getting to know people. Evidence-based treatment can help sufferers to reduce their anxiety, and to ultimately take part in the activities they fear.