In our daily lives, building social relationships, attending meetings, spending time with friends, or even doing something as simple as shopping requires social interaction. However, for some people, such interactions bring intense stress, anxiety, and even physical symptoms. This condition is defined as "social anxiety disorder", or more commonly known as social phobia.
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a psychological disorder in which a person feels intense anxiety in social situations due to a fear of being judged, criticized, humiliated, or embarrassed. This anxiety can negatively affect a person’s daily life and severely limit their work performance, academic success, and social relationships.
For example, avoiding giving presentations, not eating in public, or being reluctant to talk to strangers can be signs of social anxiety.
What Are the Symptoms of Social Anxiety?
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can appear both psychologically and physically:
Psychological Symptoms:
- Extreme fear of being judged or criticized
- Anxiety about making mistakes or embarrassing oneself in public
- Tendency to avoid social situations
- Constantly wondering “Did I say something wrong?” after social interactions
Physical Symptoms:
- Blushing
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Trembling
- Nausea
- Shortness of breath
These symptoms increase when entering social situations and can become very challenging for the person.
Who Experiences Social Anxiety?
Although social anxiety can occur at any age, it usually begins during adolescence. It is often confused with shyness, but social anxiety is much more intense and significantly impacts quality of life. Genetic predisposition, a family history of anxiety disorders, childhood traumas, or overly critical parenting styles can contribute to its development.
Causes of Social Anxiety
Many different factors can play a role in the development of social anxiety disorder:
- Biological Factors: Imbalance of neurotransmitters like serotonin in the brain can increase susceptibility to anxiety disorders.
- Psychological Factors: Low self-esteem, negative thinking patterns, and lack of social skills are important contributors.
- Environmental Factors: Overprotective or overly critical parenting, bullying during school years, or social traumas can trigger social anxiety.
Ways to Cope with Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a treatable condition. There are various methods to help individuals cope:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most common form of therapy for social anxiety. It helps individuals identify and change anxiety-inducing thoughts, develop social skills, and gradually face feared situations through exposure techniques. - Medication
In some cases, antidepressants or anxiolytic medications may be prescribed by a psychiatrist. Medication is particularly effective in severe cases when combined with therapy. - Relaxation and Breathing Exercises
Techniques such as breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, and mindfulness can help alleviate the physical symptoms of anxiety. - Gradual Exposure
Facing feared social situations in small steps is important. For example, starting with a short conversation in a familiar environment before moving on to larger gatherings can be beneficial.
What Happens If Social Anxiety Is Not Treated?
If left untreated, social anxiety can lead a person to increasingly avoid social situations, which may result in loneliness, depression, low self-esteem, and failure in work or social life. Therefore, it is important to seek professional help when symptoms are noticed.
When Should You Seek Professional Help?
If you constantly experience intense anxiety in social settings, avoid social life because of it, or struggle with physical symptoms, you should seek support from a professional. With psychotherapy, it is possible to overcome this condition.
Social anxiety is a disorder that can significantly affect a person’s quality of life. However, it is important to remember that it is possible to overcome this issue. With the right therapy, medication if necessary, and personal effort, social anxiety can be reduced, allowing for the development of healthy relationships. If you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety, do not hesitate to seek support from a psychological counselor or clinical psychologist.
