Unlike shyness, which can affect daily interactions with others to some extent, social anxiety can be life-altering (Source: Freepik)
Social anxiety is a disorder that can present several roadblocks in someone’s life. It can hinder their ability to meet and interact with others, leading to increasing seclusion and overwhelming feelings of loneliness.
Unlike shyness, which can affect daily interactions with others to some extent, social anxiety can be life-altering as it prevents the person from doing even the most mundane tasks such as shopping or taking a walk outside.
Dr Rahul Chandhok, head psychiatrist and head consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science, Artemis Hospitals, describes it as “a pervasive and often enfeebling psychological condition” where an individual experiences an extreme fear of being a part of social situations and interactions.
He adds that the symptoms can be felt physically, emotionally, and behaviourally. “Physical symptoms include experiencing rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, nausea, and difficulty breathing. Emotionally, people with social anxiety are likely to feel extreme self-consciousness, dread, or panic in social settings. Behaviourally, such people may avoid social situations altogether or endure them with extreme discomfort,” he says.
Dr Vijayshree Bajaj, psychologist and mental wellbeing coach at MedyMind adds that if left untreated, this form of anxiety “can significantly impact an individual's daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.”
Dr Bajaj lists the following factors that are likely to be present if a person suffers from social anxiety:
The symptoms of social anxiety, according to Dr Chandhok, majorly impact a person's quality of life, resulting in missing out on important social, academic, or professional opportunities and contributing to feelings of loneliness, isolation, and low self-esteem. These symptoms include:
Individuals with social anxiety often avoid social gatherings, parties, or public events because of intense fear of judgment or scrutiny. This avoidance can lead to isolation and loneliness, exacerbating their anxiety over time.
Social anxiety can exhibit physically, with people experiencing symptoms like sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, nausea, blushing, or difficulty in breathing in social situations. These physical symptoms can be distressing and embarrassing, further reinforcing avoidance behaviours.
People with social anxiety are excessively self-conscious and obsessed with how others perceive them. They may constantly worry about saying or doing something embarrassing, resulting in a heightened state of vigilance and discomfort in social interactions.
Individuals with social anxiety often engage in negative self-talk, criticising themselves for perceived mistakes or shortcomings in social situations. This negative self-perception often erodes self-esteem and confidence, sustaining the cycle of anxiety.
Social anxiety can cause difficulty in speaking or articulating thoughts in social settings, resulting in awkward silences or fumbling. Fear of being judged or ridiculed can make it difficult for people to express themselves freely.
People with social anxiety generally fear being the centre of attention, whether in group settings or one-on-one interactions. They may avoid speaking up or participating in activities that draw attention to themselves, fearing judgement or embarrassment.
The symptoms of social anxiety can be felt physically, emotionally, and behaviorally, according to Dr Rahul Chandhok, head psychiatrist and head consultant, Mental Health and Behavioural Science, Artemis Hospitals (Source: Freepik)
When it comes to social anxiety, the good news is that it is a treatable condition. The only effort it will take is consistency and self-belief. Some effective coping strategies suggested by Dr Bajaj for managing social anxiety include:
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2024-03-31T07:10:15Z dg43tfdfdgfd