Social anxiety

What is it?

A social anxiety disorder can also be known as a social phobia. Social anxiety disorder is the fear of being embarrassed and judged in social situations and when talking to other people. If you have social anxiety disorder you may experience physical symptoms of anxiety as well as being scared of social interactions. This might lead you to avoid social situations.

Is social anxiety being shy?

Is shyness the same as social anxiety? Yes and no. Everyone can feel shy from time to time. However, this should not stop you from doing the things that you enjoy.

Social anxiety is 'extreme' shyness which often comes with physical symptoms of anxiety. For more information see the Anxiety fact sheet.

Shyness becomes social anxiety when being around people becomes very difficult for you, meaning that you may find any social situations scary and therefore might find yourself isolated from family, friends and people in general.

Social anxiety disorder is a very common disorder, which means that if you do experience it you are certainly not alone and it is possible to find help. It might feel hard now but it is important to keep strong through some of the harder times and know that overcoming this is achievable.

What happens?

If you experience social anxiety disorder it is likely that upon entering a feared social situation or even when you think about the situation you might experience physical symptoms and you might find that you are saying negative things to yourself. Read on for more information.

Physical symptoms

Physical symptoms might include:

• palpitations
• trembling
• sweating
• tense muscles
• twitching muscles
• dry throat
• blushing
• dizziness
• sinking feeling in the stomach
• an overwhelming feeling of wanting to escape

What you might feel, think + do

• Feel self-conscious and feel like you have failed.
• You might avoid the feared social situation, which can often lead to isolation from friends and family.
• You might be more likely to abuse alcohol or other drugs to make you feel less inhibited, especially through the feared situation.

When are you likely to feel this fear?

People with social anxiety disorder might experience significant emotional distress in any of the following situations:

• being introduced to other people
• being teased or criticised
• being the centre of attention
• being watched while doing something
• meeting people in authority
• most social encounters
• making small talk at parties
• speaking in a group
• eating and drinking in public
• meeting or talking with people in positions of authority
• meeting or talking to members of the opposite sex
• using the telephone

What causes social anxiety?

There are a number of theories as to the causes of social anxiety:

• genetics and/or a history of social anxiety in the family or environment.
• a negative thinking style can mean focusing your attention on the wrong things.
• avoiding situations can reinforce and confirm the thought that you are not able to go into these situations, meaning that you can find yourself isolated from friends and family.

What are some options for managing social anxiety, getting support + help?

People with social anxiety often know that their fears are irrational but may blame themselves rather than understanding that it is a disorder. There are successful treatments for you out there. Reading about and understanding this might be one of the first steps in overcoming social anxiety for you.

What treatments are available?

There are a few effective treatments available for social anxiety:

Systematic desensitization

This is where you are taught relaxation techniques then you combine a relaxed body state with a thought of a feared situation. Gradually a person may overcome their fears.

Exposure therapy

This is when you are slowly and supportively exposed to feared situations. The aim is to desensitise the fear; so make the fear less sensitive.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT)

CBT helps you change your thought patterns associated with the phobia.

CBT for social anxiety can be very successful. Thousands of research studies now indicate that, after CBT, people with social anxiety disorder report a changed life - one that is they are no longer controlled by fear and anxiety.

Medications

Medications are also available for social anxiety. Ask your doctor for more information about which medications might be appropriate for you.

Medications are often prescribed but have not been found to be effective without some additional therapy. Medication can play a useful role to overcome some of the distressing symptoms in order for a person to get to work or simply get out of the house. However to prevent recurrence it is best used in conjunction with therapy.

For more information and help

Check out the Who can help you info on this site.

Take a look at this directory beyondblue Directory of Medical and Allied Health Practitioners

And take the time to cast your eyes over the fact sheets and links on the left hand side of the page for more information and relaxation techniques.