Social Phobia: when it's more than just shyness.

INTRODUCTION

Social Anxiety Disorder also known as Social Phobia, falls under the category of Anxiety disorders. It involves a fear of interacting with others or being in a social situation that might lead to a possible negative evaluation. It is one among the most occurring phobias experienced by people.

PHOBIC DISORDERS: When anxiety/fear gets out of hand.

One of the more specific anxiety disorders is a Phobia, i.e. an irrational, persistent fear of something. The fear could be of an object or a situation or could also involve a social interaction. For Example, a person would fear if they came across a real bull, and would take steps to avoid it. Although the same person won’t necessarily avoid a picture of a bull in their phone, a person with ‘specific phobia’ of bull would. Avoiding a real bull is rational but avoiding a picture of a bull isn’t.

MYTHS & FACTS

× Social anxiety is about just being shy ×

✓ It’s different than being simply shy, unlike being shy, people with Social anxiety disorder worry and fear about events for days or weeks prior to it. This makes them more anxious when the date is getting closer, sometimes resulting in anxiety attacks.

× It’s just in your head, and your beliefs ×

✓ It is a phobia caused due to anxiety, where people barely have any control over. It doesn’t have any relation with beliefs about oneself. A person suffering from social phobia might change to believe that he can give a presentation at a meeting, but might bail or fall sick when it’s time to actually do it due to anxiety.

× It only affects public speaking ×

✓ It adversely affect most spheres of life, from intimate family gatherings to general parties. Any kind of social situation becomes a fear. Public speaking is only a small part of a greater picture.

× It cannot hurt you mental or physical health ×

✓ It affects your work relations and creates problems or impairments in family and romantic relationships. Hence, affecting your quality of life.

× It gradually goes away ×

✓ It doesn’t. Many suffer from Social anxiety disorder and do not go for treatment. When not treated, it could become chronic.

HOW SOCIAL PHOBIA DEVELOPS?

Social phobia may emerge in childhood as avoiding school or meeting/greeting different people or generally excessive shyness. It could be triggered by any humiliation or a stressful event (like fainting while public speaking, being bullied or just tripping off while walking) ; or it may be subtle and gradually developing.

” First onset in adulthood is relatively rare and is more

likely to occur after a stressful or humiliating event or after life changes that require new

social roles. Social anxiety disorder(SAD)/Social Phobia may diminish after an individual with fear of dating gets married

and may re-emerge after divorce.”

[ DCM-5]

SYMPTOMS and EXAMPLES :

∆ Social situations always provoke fear or anxiety.

∆ Stage fright

∆ Anxiety/Avoidance of:

i. Publics peaking.

ii. Embarrassment or rejection.

iii. Urinating in public restroom or eating with other people.

iv. Social interaction, even text messages, phone calls or video calls.

v. Meeting new people.

vi. Interviews or changing jobs.

vi. Completely new or any social interactions.

∆ Being overwhelmed by unexpected social encounters.

∆ Fear/Avoidance/Anxiety is out of proportion compared to the actual threat.

TREATMENTS :

The treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder(SAD) include therapies such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy(CBT) and Psychotherapy. CBT is considered the most effective treatment, may also be paired with oral medications. Sometimes medications like SSRIs(antidepressants) or anti-anxiety drugs are prescribed along with therapy. It helps in relieving the symptoms.

OUTLOOK

Like most Specific Phobias, Social Anxiety Disorder/ Social Phobia is also caused due to anxiety. More people than we know about have social phobia on some level. For some, it might only affect when they are with strangers at a social situation and for others it might be as extreme as not letting them receive a phonecall. Everyone experiences disorders at different levels. So, knowing this we shouldn’t push anyone over the edge while facing or taking decisions. Respect choices and always be careful with your words.