December 10, 2021
Feeling nervous is normal in certain social situations — public speaking, a job interview, or an awkward networking event. But if that nervousness makes everyday interactions difficult, you may be suffering from social anxiety.
Everyone deals with social situations in different ways based on their personality. Social anxiety is when everyday nerves give way to feelings of fear. This can make it hard to work, go to school, or engage in other common daily tasks.
It might be hard for you to decide if you truly have social anxiety, or just suffer from normal bouts of the nerves around other people. To some extent, the symptoms of social anxiety are just more extreme versions of the nerves. You might have a fear of being judged, trouble interacting with strangers, worry about being embarrassed, or self-consciousness about your performance in social situations. Those with social anxiety experience not just discomfort, but fear and anxiety in these situations.
If you’re actively avoiding social situations out of fear — especially if it’s because you’re expecting a bad outcome — this may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder. Physical symptoms are a good indicator, too: elevated heartbeat, sweating, nausea, dizziness, and other general anxiety symptoms are all present in social anxiety.
There’s no “cure” for social anxiety. It’s a chronic condition, but you can learn how to cope in ways that improve your ability to be around others. When you see a health care provider about social anxiety, you can expect them to suggest psychotherapy or medication or a combination of both. You can also work on your own to prepare for situations that may trigger your anxiety. Here are five easy ones:
Facing social anxiety head-on can be challenging, but the rewards of doing so are as exciting and varied as there are people in the world.
