When the Fear of Interacting with Strangers Becomes a Problem

A disorder called social anxiety or social phobia is a long-lasting and overwhelming fear of certain social situations. It is a problem that usually begins in adolescence, is an extremely unpleasant condition, and can have a significant impact on quality of life.

For some of those affected, the disorder goes away with age. For others, however, the problem may persist if treatment is not used. Social phobia can be managed and it is important to seek help if there are any symptoms.

Symptoms of social anxiety

Social anxiety is more than just shyness. This is a fear that does not go away, affects daily activities, diminishes self-confidence, relationships, and professional or school activity. Periodically, many of us feel anxious about certain social situations, but in the case of those who suffer from social anxiety, the feeling is much stronger. The worry persists before, during, and after a certain event.

Here are some signs that there may be social anxiety:

• Worries about daily activities, such as meeting strangers, starting conversations, making phone calls, working, or shopping.

• There is a tendency to avoid or worry about social activities such as group socializing, parties, or meals with other people.

• There is a fear that you are doing something embarrassing, worrying about blushing, sweating, or looking incompetent in a certain situation.

• It becomes difficult to do certain things, you always feel afraid that you will be judged, you feel that you have been followed and analyzed.

• The fear of criticism arises, self-esteem may decrease, you try to avoid direct eye contact with other people.

• Symptoms such as general malaise, sweating, trembling or palpitations (rapid heartbeat) often occur.

• There is a feeling of panic, a strong feeling of fear and anxiety, which usually lasts only a few minutes.

Many people with social anxiety have other mental health problems, such as depression, general anxiety, or panic attacks.

When we ask for help with social anxiety

If you think you are suffering from social anxiety, it would be best to go to a family doctor initially. This is especially true if the disorder significantly affects your quality of life. You need to know that social phobia is a common problem and that there is a treatment that can be effective. Of course, it is not so easy to ask for help, there is a restraint, but a specialist could reassure you after a consultation.

Your doctor may initiate discussions to ask you about your feelings, behaviors, and symptoms so that you can understand how anxiety manifests itself in certain social situations.

If you suffer from a social phobia, your family doctor may refer you to a mental health professional who will determine the appropriate treatment. You can go directly to a psychologist without consulting your family doctor.

Recommendations for overcoming social anxiety

A first step in overcoming social phobia would be to try to help yourself. This may be effective before trying other treatments. Here are some tips:

Try to understand more about anxiety - analyze or write down what concerns you and how you behave in certain social situations. It is effective to complete a journal.

Try some relaxation techniques, such as stress breathing exercises.

Divide the challenging situations into smaller parts and work with each one to make you feel more relaxed.

Try to focus on what people are saying rather than instilling the worst thoughts.

Treatments for social anxiety

Several treatments are effective in social anxiety. These include:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy guided by a specialist. The method helps you to identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors.

• Guided self-help, which involves working with the regular support of a therapist, using an online diary, or an online course.

• Antidepressants are usually a type of medicine called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. They are usually used to treat people over the age of 15.

• Experts say that the most effective treatment would be cognitive-behavioral therapy. But if it doesn't work or doesn't suit you, you can use other treatments that have proven to be effective. Some people may need a combination treatment, using several methods.

Social anxiety in children

Social anxiety can also affect children. In the case of minors, the signs of social anxiety can be manifested by:

• Crying or upset more often than usual;

• Pronounced anger;

• They avoid interactions with other children and adults;

• There is a fear of going to school or participating in-class activities, school shows, and social events;

• The child does not ask for help at school;

• The little ones become dependent on their parents or caregivers.

If you are worried about your child, do not hesitate to discuss this with your doctor. It will ask you about the child's behavior and emotions.

Treatments for social anxiety in children are similar to those for teenagers and adults, although no medication is normally used. The therapy applied to the little ones will be adapted to the age and involves the involvement of parents/adults who will be instructed on how to intervene.