Social anxiety disorder involves intense fear of certain social situations—especially situations that are unfamiliar or in which you feel you’ll be watched or evaluated by others.
Underlying social anxiety disorder is the fear of being scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed in public.
You may be afraid that people will think badly of you or that you won’t measure up in comparison to others.
Some people experience anxiety in most social situations. For others, anxiety is connected to specific social situations, such as speaking to strangers, mingling at parties, or performing in front of an audience.
Common social anxiety triggers:
Meeting new people
Making small talk
Public speaking
Performing on stage
Being the center of attention
Being watched while doing something
Being teased or criticized
Talking with “important” people or authority figures
Being called on in class
Going on a date
Speaking up in a meeting
Using public restrooms
Taking exams
Eating or drinking in public
Making phone calls
Attending parties or other social gatherings
Emotional signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder:
Excessive self-consciousness and anxiety in everyday social situations
Intense worry for days, weeks, or even months before an upcoming social situation
Extreme fear of being watched or judged by others, especially people you don’t know
Fear that you’ll act in ways that will embarrass or humiliate yourself
Fear that others will notice that you’re nervous
Physical signs and symptoms:
Red face, or blushing
Shortness of breath
Upset stomach, nausea (i.e. butterflies)
Trembling or shaking (including shaky voice)
Racing heart or tightness in chest
Sweating or hot flashes
Feeling dizzy or faint
Behavioral signs and symptoms:
Avoiding social situations to a degree that limits your activities or disrupts your life
Staying quiet or hiding in the background in order to escape notice and embarrassment
A need to always bring a buddy along with you wherever you go
Drinking before social situations in order to soothe your nerves
Ways to Cope with Social Anxiety:
Challenge negative thinking
You must must first become aware that it is happening - bring your attention to your thoughts and just start noticing what comes up
Write down a list of all of the negative thoughts that come up when you think about or are actually engaging in a social situation
Analyze and challenge these thoughts - “how likely is that?” “how true is that?” “how much do I REALLY care what other people think?” “Could I be overthinking it?” “How much of a threat is this really?”
Identify the unhelpful thinking style: i) mind reading - assuming you know what other people are thinking ii) Fortune telling - predicting the future, usually assuming the worst is going to happen “I just know that _______ is going to happen.” iii) catastrophizing - blowing things out of proportion iv) personalizing - assuming that people are focusing on you in a negative way of what’s going on with other people has to do with you
2) Focus on others, not yourself
Focus your attention on other people - not in a negative way, try to make a connection with others by focusing on asking them questions and learning more about them.
Anxiety isn’t as visible as you think - even if they do notice, it’s probably not as bad as you think. Everyone is able to relate to the feeling of being nervous, they’re likely not thinking as negatively as you think
Focus on the present moment - the past is gone and the future hasn’t happened yet. Practice mindfulness to stay present
Release the pressure to be perfect - focus on being genuine and attentive - others appreciate this
3) Learn to control your breathing - when we feel anxious, we have a tendency to breathe more quickly and; thus, increase the oxygen in our body. This can lead to hyperventilation, feeling dizzy, and even lead to increased heart rate, and muscle tension
Sit comfortably - back straight, shoulders relaxed. Put one hand on your chest and one on your stomach
Inhale slowly in through your nose, count to 4, the hand on your stomach should rise, and the hand on your stomach should move very little
Exhale slowly - out of your mouth for 6 seconds, pushing out as much air as you can. The hand on your stomach should move in as you exhale, but your other hand should move very little
Continue to breathe - in through your nose and out through your mouth. Focus on breathing in for 4 counts, hold for 2 counts, and out for 6 counts
4) Face Your Fears - the more you avoid the situation, the more it has control over you. Start small and begin exposing yourself to anxiety-inducing situations and work your way up the “anxiety ladder” to build your confidence.
Don’t try to face your biggest fear right away - things could backfire and reinforce your anxiety
Be patient - this will take some time - overcoming social anxiety is a gradual, step-by-step process
Use the skills you’ve learned to stay calm - breathing and challenging negative assumptions
Step 1: Say “hello” to your co-workers.
Step 2: Ask a co-worker a work-related question.
Step 3: Ask a co-worker what they did over the weekend.
Step 4: Sit in the break room with co-workers during your coffee break.
Step 5: Eat lunch in the break room with your co-workers.
Step 6: Eat lunch in the break room and make small talk with one or more of your coworkers, such as talking about the weather, sports, or current events.
Step 7: Ask a co-worker to go for a coffee or drink after work.
Step 8: Go out for lunch with a group of co-workers.
Step 9: Share personal information about yourself with one or more co-workers.
Step 10: Attend a staff party with your co-workers.
5) Make an effort to be more social
Take a social skills class - local community college or adult education center
Volunteer doing something you enjoy
Work on your communication skills - seek resources on emotional intelligence
6) Adapt an anti-anxiety lifestyle
Avoid or limit caffeine - these stimulants increase anxiety
Get active - 30 minutes per day, pair it with something enjoyable like shopping
Add more omega 3 fats to your diet - supports brain health and can improve your mood, outlook, and ability to handle anxiety
Drink only in moderation - alcohol actually increases your chances of having an anxiety attack
Quit smoking - nicotine increases anxiety
Get enough quality sleep - sleep deprivation increases anxiety
7) Treatment
Learn how to control the physical symptoms of anxiety through relaxation techniques and breathing
Challenge negative thoughts that fuel anxiety and replace them with more balanced views
Face the social situation you fear - in a graudal, systemic way rather than avoiding them
Role playing, social skills training, and CBT techniques - ask your therapist about these techniques that will help you work through your anxiety in real time
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Blue Sage Counseling and Wellness, and the information provided by Ashley Francis, is solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and is not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Ashley Francis is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health.
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