Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia or social anxiety, is a term used to describe excessive fear and anxiety in situations involving sociability. When individuals experience social anxiety, they fear being watched, judged, and disliked by others during daily interactions. While social anxiety disorder is prevalent in society, it is often mistaken for shyness. Moreover, many individuals who are negatively affected by this anxiety continue their lives without realizing that it is a treatable condition. For this reason, we will be providing a detailed discussion of this disorder in this article.
We all feel nervous or anxious in social situations at times. We may feel embarrassed or nervous when we have to go on a date, attend an important meeting, or perform on stage. However, social anxiety disorder extends beyond these occasional feelings and has a negative impact on almost every aspect of our daily lives. When mental health professionals refer to this prolonged fear and avoidance of others, they label it as 'social anxiety disorder' or 'social phobia.' In social phobia, feelings of anxiety, worry, and shame surpass our ability to cope emotionally and impede our ability to establish and maintain romantic or professional relationships. Consequently, individuals may experience feelings of isolation and depression. The fear of being judged and criticized by others, as well as the fear of making mistakes, can permeate different areas of our lives and hinder our personal growth.
When we have social anxiety disorder, we are so afraid of being judged negatively by those around us that we tend to withdraw in group settings and remain silent in new social situations. Internally, we may experience feelings of fear, anxiety, embarrassment, and difficulty focusing. Social phobia, which can have detrimental effects on our inner world and relationships, is divided into two main subtypes: situation-specific social anxiety and generalized social anxiety disorder. For example, if we only have an extreme fear of public speaking, it is referred to as situation-specific social anxiety. If the fear we experience encompasses all situations involving sociability and requires us to interact with our environment, we define it as generalized social anxiety disorder.
Research shows that generalized social anxiety disorder has a more negative impact on our well-being than other social anxieties and may result in social isolation. It is crucial to emphasize the significance of early recognition of this challenging condition. The period of transitioning from adolescence to adulthood is when we develop numerous social skills, establish lasting relationships, and begin to find our place in society. Disregarding the manifestation of social anxiety behaviors during this critical period can lead to social dysfunction in adulthood. Since social anxiety disorder is treatable and positive improvements can be observed, considering the initial concerns that arise during this period plays a critical role in ensuring our long-term well-being.
The extensive impact of this disorder on our lives stems from our innate social nature as humans. On an existential level, we experience a fundamental need for belonging, connection, and communication with others. In this context, fostering self-awareness and being receptive to constructive criticism can enhance our social experiences. However, when our anxiety regarding this issue becomes excessive, it can hinder our ability to effectively fulfill our roles and responsibilities.
So what are the patterns of thought and behavior that occur when having social anxiety disorder?
In this regard, the questions we often ask ourselves can be similar to the following:
In order to better understand this disorder, which has a negative impact on life, it can be useful to recognise its symptoms. These symptoms manifest themselves in physical and psychological dimensions:
If you think you have most of these symptoms, it is likely that you are experiencing social anxiety. To better assess this possibility, you can ask yourself the following questions:
Social anxiety does not have a single, definitive cause; however, there are theories that can help us understand its underlying factors. According to research, the causes of social anxiety can be attributed to a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Individuals with a family history of social anxiety have a higher likelihood of developing social phobia. In this regard, research suggests that the social behaviors exhibited by our parents can also influence the development of social anxiety symptoms in ourselves. When our parents avoid social situations and are critical of our social skills, we may be more likely to exhibit similar behaviors. Furthermore, our past experiences can also contribute to the development of social anxiety. Negative experiences such as bullying, embarrassment, or exclusion can increase the likelihood of developing social phobia over time.
When we have social anxiety, we may believe that avoiding social situations or leading a more isolated life will improve our well-being. However, this avoidant behavior can harm our work and social life and exacerbate our feelings. Therefore, hoping that social anxiety will disappear naturally can actually cause us more harm. However, seeking help for social anxiety or actively working on it can lead to more positive changes. Engaging in self-help strategies can contribute to enhancing well-being and meeting our social needs.
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Having social anxiety can be exhausting, overwhelming and can have long-term negative effects on our lives. The good news at this point is that social phobia is treatable. It is possible to get rid of the negative effects of social anxiety with the help of a specialist and with the activities we can apply in our daily lives. Research clearly shows the positive effects of psychotherapy and medication on social anxiety. Below we have listed the therapy methods that address social anxiety from different perspectives.
Cognitive behavioral therapy is one of the most preferred therapy methods in the treatment of social anxiety. In this therapy method, thought and behavior patterns that harm oneself are addressed. Cognitive behavioral therapists try to make your behavior and thoughts about your social anxiety more constructive by asking questions and help you gain a different perspective. In this way, you can cope more easily with social situations where you feel stress, anxiety and fear, and you can make a life you are satisfied with possible.
Group therapies can be very effective for people with social anxiety disorder. During group therapies, you may have the opportunity to practice to improve your social skills and see that you are not alone. Doing this work in a safe environment led by an expert can make it easier for you to cope with anxiety.
The aim of this therapy method is to discover the causes of social anxiety and triggers from your childhood. After these are discovered, it is aimed to reduce social phobia by working on these issues together with the expert.
