What is Social Anxiety?

Social Anxiety is characterised by the following common problems:-

Anxiety or panic attacks either in (or at the thought of) situations that involve some sort of social contact.

This does not necessarily have to be actual ‘socialising’, i.e. in the pub or at a party – it can be something as simple as going into a shop or to the hairdressers.

Fear of being the centre of attention.

The feeling that everyone is looking at you and that you are somehow drawing attention to yourself. This can be accompanied by the feeling of embarrassment and a fear of making a fool of yourself.

Fear of speaking in public, for example giving a presentation at work or a speech to a room full of people.

A heightened sense of self-consciousness. You mentally assess the situation you are in and what people may be thinking about you. Afterwards you will tend to go over and over the situation in your head, analysing what you said and did.

Awkwardness around people and difficulty in holding conversations, particularly small talk. People often experience either a mental blank or a racing mind when trying to think of something to say.

Extreme difficulty in making new friendships.

Avoidant behaviour. You purposefully avoid certain types of situations that have made you anxious in the past, so the experience will not be repeated.

Fear that your anxious behaviour will be noticed by others.

People with Social Anxiety may often also have difficulty with the following:-

Speaking on the phone, answering the phone, or answering the door.

Speaking to the opposite sex.

Speaking to ‘authority figures’ such as a doctor, college tutor, bank manager, etc.

Being in crowded and/or noisy places such as pubs, clubs, busy shops or concerts.

Eating/drinking in front of other people.

Maintaining friendships/relationships.

Depression.

A strong feeling of loneliness and isolation.

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