Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a long-term overwhelming fear, present in social situations.
It is a very common problem that in most cases starts during teenage years. It has a big impact on life due to its presence in everyday situations. Social anxiety can either fade away with age or require treatment. It is not just being shy or reticent, but it’s an overwhelming fear that does not go away right on cue. It’s a fear that can be present before, during and after a certain situation.
Social phobia symptoms can vary between being worried about shopping in crowded malls, meeting strangers or speaking on the phone. It also means having difficulties in doing something in front of a watching audience which connects to the fear of being criticized. If you suffer from social anxiety, you may often experience feeling sick because of stress, heart palpitations are common and in advanced cases, panic attacks. Obviously all of these symptoms refer to everyday life and that in itself is an explanation for how big of a deal social phobia is.
The causes of social anxiety are a combination of environmental factors and genetics. Experiences such as bullying, sexual abuse or family conflict are frequent things that contribute to this disorder.
What are the treatments for social anxiety? We have 3 main options.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is therapy with a therapist that helps you in identifying negative thought patterns to be able to analyze and change them.
Guided self-help, which is working through a CBT-based workbook or an online course with a regular support from a therapist.
Antidepressants (pharmacotherapy), usually selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that basically increase serotonin levels in the brain. This option can only be prescribed by a psychiatrist.
Social anxiety awareness is a very important matter especially right now, during the times of COVID–19. Due to being isolated from the outside world because of quarantine or lockdown, people started to develop symptoms of social anxiety but also depression. It’s also important to know about the symptoms in order to be able to recognize them in your surroundings. If we notice that someone is having a panic attack it would be very useful to know how to help. Firstly, stay with the person and remain calm. Speak to the person in short and understandable sentences. Help the person in slowing down their breath by slowly counting to ten with them. It’s also very helpful if you use phrases such as "You can get through this.", "Concentrate on your breathing. Stay in the present." or "What you are feeling is scary, but it is not dangerous.". You might think that this does not do anything but in fact it reduces the person’s amount of stress, helps in gaining some control in such a confusing situation, and what’s most important, it prevents the situation from getting worse.
People who suffer from social anxiety are all around us. If they require help and we are able to provide it to them then let’s do so. In case of this disorder even small things matter, so stay open minded and aware of people around you.
Maja Orzeszyna
Bibliography:
Main source - https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-topics/hw53602