In a recent article provided by Psychology Today, Dr. Amelia Aldao helps her readers to understand what social anxiety is. There are several misconceptions about what this anxiety disorder is, such as the assumption that is just simply a fear of public speaking or that it is synonymous with being introverted. In reality, fifteen million Americans suffer from social anxiety, yet it is still surrounded by stigma and confusion. Proper understanding of social anxiety can allow those who are suffering with it to receive the therapy they need to help improve their daily life.
1. Social anxiety is not just a fear of public speaking. Public speaking can be a trigger for a person with social anxiety, however this condition cannot be simplified to just this specific issue. Many activities, such as sending an email or making small talk, can also bring up feelings of anxiety for a person that is struggling with social anxiety.
2. It is not just about being perceived in a negative way. Although socially anxious people may fear being embarrassed or receiving other forms of negative attention, it can also be difficult when positive attention is brought to the individual. Whether it is receiving an award or being praised in a place of work, it may stir up anxiety for those that are socially anxious.
3. Worrying about the future and the past. For those struggling with social anxiety, it is common to second-guess past interactions frequently. Typically, anxious individuals might wonder things such as “What if I said the wrong thing?” or “What if I wasn’t likeable?” The more an individual thinks about their own behavior in conversations that have already occurred, the more anxious they would become.
4. It is not the same as being introverted. Being introverted or extraverted are personality traits that are specific to each individual. These terms describe the amount of social interaction a particular person wants to engage in. Being introverted is not the same as being socially anxious because whether or not a person desires frequent social interaction is different from how much anxiety one would feel about it.
5. Social anxiety is not always easy to detect. Those who struggle with social anxiety are typically motivated to avoid situations that would trigger their anxiety; this does not always equate to not showing up. A person with social anxiety could go to a party but end up standing alone looking at their phone all night or excessively drinking. They still showed up, but this does not mean that they did not avoid social interaction. An individual that relies on avoidance behaviors makes them more likely to continue practicing these behaviors later on.
Social anxiety is a complex issue and it’s not exactly the same for anyone. Seeking therapy for those who are struggling is vital to achieve a healthy mental state. Our clinicians at Pinnacle Counseling and Testing Center specialize in treating anxiety disorders such social anxiety. Learn more about the counseling services we offer, or contact us for a free consultation.