What it is:
Social Anxiety Disorder, or social phobia, is the fear of being scrutinized or perceived by
others. Oftentimes, people with this disorder find ways to avoid public events/ spaces in order to
avoid situations that might cause embarrassment. They often stay quiet when placed in public
situations and shy around unfamiliar groups of people. They develop very low self esteem, which
further worsens public outings. Many with this disorder can believe that the world is out to get
them and everyone is watching and waiting for something extremely embarrassing to happen.
With some help and time, it is known as a treatable condition.
Some symptoms this disorder can cause is a racing heart, trembling, loss of concentration.
Many can eventually develop depression or even deep resentment towards themselves.
Ways to help:
Generally, people with this disorder avoid interactions that could potentially cause them to
embarrass themselves. Some ways to help them overcome this disorder is by doing Cognitive
Behavioral therapy or by taking oral medication. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT, is
therapy that helps the person change the way they think about certain situations and can also
change the way they react to that situation. CBT has been deemed beneficial to people with
social anxiety and can help them learn how to develop social skills.
Some oral medication, such as antidepressants or anti-anxiety medications, can also be
prescribed. It has been proven to be beneficial but there are some major side effects that coincide with the medications, such as headaches or nausea.
My Experience Dealing with Anxiety:
Ever since I was little, I had an extremely hard time dealing with anxiety. Whether it be talking
to strangers or to teachers or even to distant relatives; I was constantly overthinking my every
encounter. It took several years to be able to talk for myself in a social setting without clinging
onto my mother or a close friend. It took me even longer to speak up and ask questions to people
I did not know. The one major thing that helped with my anxiety was getting my very first job. I
was sixteen and it was my local library. The library was right down the road to the high school
and only a five minute drive. Before working there, I had volunteered that summer. The manager
was looking for new student workers and since I was of age, she asked me. I was excited, my
dream job was working at a library and when she offered I did not hesitate to agree. Once
working there, the manager pushed my boundaries; I couldn’t be shy when dealing with patrons,
so I forced myself through my discomfort and found as time passed on, I was able to stop
overthinking every moment. This experience did not stop my anxiety overall, but it helped me
deal with it in social settings. And even now, after more than six months of not working there, I
am able to manage my anxiety in a better way than I ever did before.
Sources Used:
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness
http://www.dbmhresource.org/uploads/2/2/5/7/22571778/1-s2.0-s0140673608604882-main.pdf
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