Social Anxiety

The APA defines Social Anxiety as a fear of social situations where embarrassment may occur; for e.g. - meeting strangers, having conversations, dating, or where there is a risk of being negatively evaluated by others; e.g. - being seen as weak or stupid, even when it comes to doing everyday things like answering in class, eating or drinking in a public space.

There is an irrational fear of executing activities in the presence of others. The individual is mostly afraid of being criticized for the actions leading to humiliation or embarrassment. It may also cause significant distress and may cause a disturbance in daily functioning and turn into a diagnosis of Social Phobia.

Proverbs 29:25 says, "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe." This verse highlights how fearing the opinions or criticisms of others can entrap us, while trusting in God provides safety and peace. Galatians 1:10 emphasizes the importance of seeking God’s approval over human approval: "Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ." If we focus on pleasing God, we can overcome the fear of others’ opinions and criticism.

Social Anxiety may also be mistaken with Shyness. Shyness typically involves feeling self-conscious, worrying about being negatively evaluated by others, and having certain observable behaviors such as quietness, social withdrawal, and gaze aversion, along with or without sweating, blushing or pounding heart; which are also similar symptoms when it comes to Social Anxiety. Shyness is a trait that is present in a person, whereas Social Anxiety becomes a mental health condition that causes the individuals to experience symptoms of anxiety; causing them to avoid social situations and causes the individual extreme distress.

Social Anxiety can severely impact various aspects of the individual’s life like personal relationships, education, career; and may lead the individual to live an isolated lifestyle. It is important to understand if one is shy or is having social anxiety, because social anxiety, if left untreated may also result in depression.

What causes Social Anxiety?

Social Anxiety can be caused with a mix of genetic and environmental factors. An overactive amygdala; the part of the brain which controls fear response, may be causing an increase in anxiety in social situations. Genetics plays a significant role in the development of social anxiety, with research suggesting that individuals with a family history of anxiety disorders may be more predisposed to experiencing social anxiety themselves. While no single gene is responsible for this condition, a combination of genetic factors can influence the brain's response to stress and social situations. An embarrassing or unpleasant situation may also be the trigger for the start of Social Anxiety.

The anticipation of a social mishap and social apprehension adds to the Social Anxiety. The desire to make a desirable impression on others, but the doubt of whether they would be able to do that or not, causes the apprehension and an increased self-focused attention, which then focuses on recurrent, spontaneous and excessively negative self image. Ruminating on things that can potentially go wrong or post-event rumination can cause severe distress in the individual. This further leads them to develop avoidance and safety behaviors; such as over preparation, that isolates them, affecting their self esteem, and having a negative self perception. Negative and distorted assumptions about themselves become reinforced over time, and become a part of their daily lives.

The Impact of Social Anxiety on Daily Life

The anxiety can easily disrupt everyday life activities. It may get in the way of work, schooling and learning, causing certain challenges. Individuals may have difficulty in forming relationships, which may lead to social isolation and loneliness. Individuals may also avoid certain places and this may cause a hindrance in functioning and further reinforce the anxiety through avoidance. Social isolation and loneliness may then lead to depression, and impact the self esteem and self worth of the individual.

Treatment and Management of Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety can be managed through psychotherapy and medications. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), is commonly used to treat and help manage Social Anxiety. CBT helps in identifying thoughts, behaviours and reactions that causes one to feel anxious during such situations, and helps in thinking, behaving and reacting differently, along with learning social skills that will complement the new thinking and behaviors.

Philippians 4:8 encourages believers to focus their thoughts on positive and virtuous things: "Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things."This teaches that we should direct our minds toward uplifting and godly things, rather than dwelling on negative or unhealthy thoughts.

Exposure therapy is a CBT technique that involves gradually facing the fears at the root of an anxiety disorder, helping individuals participate in activities they've been avoiding. This therapy is often combined with relaxation exercises. Another treatment approach for social anxiety disorder is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Unlike CBT, ACT addresses negative thoughts in a different way, incorporating strategies like mindfulness and goal-setting to alleviate discomfort and reduce anxiety.

Pharmacological treatments and medications are prescribed only by a medical professional and they include SSRIs, Benzodiazepines and Beta-blockers.

Group therapy-based CBT can also provide additional advantages for those with social anxiety disorder, and learn how to navigate real life challenges through practice in a controlled environment, and also get support through each other during the process.Having Group CBT, and engaging in role play also help stimulate real-life situations and to practice various strategies and exercises that have been taught in therapy.

Behavioral experiments are also used, where the therapist, along with the client, moves out of the therapy room and into the real world - into social settings, to practice what was learnt. Support from family and friends encourages the individuals to learn how to adjust and adapt in social settings, and also provides them the support that they need till they learn how to manage on their own.

What can I do if I think I have Social Anxiety?

Talk to a mental health professional. Trained professionals will be able to assess the symptoms and help you navigate through the challenges and difficulties. The longer you wait, the harder it is to treat.

Keeping track of what is causing the anxiety can greatly help in identifying the triggers. This practice can be done through journaling. Practicing relaxation techniques and exercises help in bringing calmness when faced with anxious thoughts and feelings. Develop healthy coping strategies. Negative coping strategies like isolation, turning to your phone for company, or resorting to drinking won’t help. It will just make the anxiety worse. It's better to face your fear than to run away from it.

Reframing our thoughts greatly helps in diffusing the anxiety. Countering anxious thoughts with positive, actual facts and truths can help view the situation as it is rather than catastrophizing and spiralling down the anxious thoughts. The Bible encourages believers to meditate on God's truth and promises. This kind of meditation is a positive focus for the mind. Psalm 1:2 says, "But whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night." Meditating on Scripture helps to cultivate godly thoughts and gives us wisdom, rather than letting our minds dwell on negative or unproductive ideas.

Be Kind. Kindness helps counter negative situations and by promoting positive perceptions in social environments. Make it an ‘upward spiral’ of thoughts.

Social anxiety is a complex and often debilitating condition that affects many individuals, making everyday social interactions feel overwhelming and distressing. However, through understanding its underlying causes, such as genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and cognitive patterns, we can better empathize with those who experience it. Romans 12:2 speaks of the transformative power of renewing our minds: "Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will." By renewing our minds with God's truth, we can break free from negative thought patterns, including unhealthy rumination.

Treatment options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and mindfulness practices, offer effective tools for managing and reducing symptoms. By fostering a supportive and non-judgmental environment, society can help individuals with social anxiety feel more confident and empowered to navigate social situations, ultimately improving their quality of life and mental well-being. Isaiah 26:3 assures us that God will keep us in peace if we trust Him: "You will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are steadfast, because they trust in you." Instead of allowing our minds to spiral into anxiety or negative thoughts, we are called to trust God and find peace in His presence.

(All information in this article is Public Domain)

References:

• APA Dictionary of Psychology. (2018, April 19). Dictionary.apa.org.
• Apollohospitals. (2021). Apollo Hospitals. Social-anxiety-disorder.
• Hofmann, S. G. (2007). Cognitive Factors that Maintain Social Anxiety Disorder: a Comprehensive Model and its Treatment Implications. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, 36(4), 193–209.
• National Institute of Mental Health. (2022). Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health; National Institute of Mental Health.
• SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER. (2017). Nih.gov; British Psychological Society (UK).