Author: Jodie C. / Source: Lifehack
Social Anxiety Disorder (formerly known as Social Phobia) can be a significant hurdle to your happiness, health, and ability to achieve your potential in relationships and at work
Here’s a common scenario:
You’re the kind of person that likes others. You want friends, you want to hang out with your co-workers for hors d’oeuvres after work, and you definitely don’t want someone to hang out with on Friday nights.
You just can’t make your reality fit with your wishes.Here’s one scenario that often happens: after wish you could be bold at work, make friends, and ask for that raise, the minute you’re invited to golf with your boss, do a presentation for the team, or come to a friend’s anniversary party…you bail out. You don’t feel smart enough, worthy enough, prepared enough…it is never enough…so you say “no’ to the very thing you wish you could do.
So, on one hand, you’re happy because you got to avoid the anxiety-provoking personal encounter, but you’re simultaneously miserable because – yet one more time – you didn’t go after what you want most. This can hurt your self-esteem even further, which only makes you less apt to try again the next time.
The vicious cycle can go on for years on end. Clearly, this disorder has the potential to rob you of your health or prevent you from meeting your goals at work and having positive, healthy relationships.
But here’s the good news about Social Anxiety Disorder – you don’t have to let it rob your future!
Is It Social Anxiety Disorder?
First, let’s figure out what we’re dealing with.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, Social Anxiety Disorder (formerly known as Social Phobia) is an “intense, persistent fear of being noticed and judged by others” to the degree that it can prevent you from reaching your potential at work and other areas of your life.
It’s not “just” being shy. The anxiety must last over six months and cause “considerable impairment” in your life, according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (5th ed.).[1] In addition, the anxiety must be constant, intense, and disabling to qualify.
You’re not the only one!
According to Social Phobia org, social anxiety is the third- largest mental health issue in the world, and affects 7% of US citizens.[2] It often (not always) begins around middle school which is inherently a period of intense self-consciousness.
The Theories
Research is still divided on the cause of Social Anxiety Disorder, but some theories indicate there is a genetic/inheritable component while others argue that it can be a learned behavior.
Others believe the problem is multi-determined and can be a combination of genetics, social learning, and other factors combined.
10 Scenarios That are Potential Triggers
The Social Anxiety Association lists several scenarios that can be triggers for your anxiety including these common ones:[3]
- Being teased or criticized
- Being the center of attention
- Being watched or observed
- Having to say something in a formal, public situation
- Meeting people in authority (“important people/authority figures”)
- Feeling insecure and out of place in social situations (“I don’t know what to say.”)
- Feeling embarrassed (e.g., blushing, shaking)
- Meeting other peoples’ eyes
- Swallowing, writing, talking, making phone calls if in public
- Being introduced to other people
3 Major Symptom Categories
When we encounter our triggers, sufferers tend to become symptomatic. According to Psycom, there are 3 main categories of symptoms for this disorder:
- Physical symptoms: racing heart, dizziness, stomach trouble, blushing, sweating, trembling, and dry mouth
- Emotional Symptoms: panic attacks, poor body image, nervousness, high levels of anxiety and fears.
- Behavioral Symptoms: Avoiding places/situations where you think you will be the center of attention; not pursuing activities for fear of embarrassment; becoming isolated, quitting school or a job, substance abuse.
NIMH adds that poor eye contact, mind going blank, speaking softly, self-consciousness, and feeling awkward are also commonplace. Remember: these symptoms can be “normal” – we are looking only for a situation where it is prolonged and a true hinderance to functioning!
What To Do About It
The important factor is to do something about your Social Phobia as it can become more self-perpetuating over time. Here’s are a few ideas of how to get started.
1. Ask a Doctor
Don’t self diagnose, ask a doctor. Reach out!
If you are concerned that social anxiety is preventing you from reaching your full potential, then seek consultation from a mental health professional or medical provider. Don’t suffer in silence!
Fewer than 5% of people with social anxiety seek treatment after their symptoms begin and, in fact, 1/3 of sufferers report having symptoms for ten years or more before reaching out for help.
This is a needless…
The post How to Tell Symptoms of Social Anxiety? And What to Do About It appeared first on FeedBox.