Dealing With Social Anxiety Disorder? Here’re The Signs To Look For

Anxiety, fear, and avoidance of social settings are persistent symptoms of social anxiety disorder, which is a mental health condition. If you suspect that you or someone you know may have a social anxiety disorder, it's essential to recognise the signs and symptoms to seek appropriate support and treatment. Here are some common signs that show you have a social anxiety disorder.

Fear of Being Judged

People who have a social anxiety disorder have an overwhelming fear of being judged or criticised, much to an extent that it interferes with their daily activities like school, work, or social programs. In this condition, they feel like they are being watched and evaluated, making them anxious and self-conscious in them.

Overthinking

You may think that overthinking is a part of your life and you cannot do much about it but accept that it is happening due to certain life events. But do you know that a propensity to overthink and worry excessively about social circumstances, frequently concentrating on worst-case scenarios, may be present in people with a social anxiety disorder? They might replay previous social encounters in their thoughts to spot shame or rejection. This kind of ruminating can be time-consuming, upsetting, and disruptive to everyday life.

Also Read: Social Anxiety At Parties? Here's How You Can Deal With It

Avoiding Social Situations

People who suffer from social anxiety disorder may completely avoid or tolerate social settings with great discomfort. They may avoid social situations or prefer to spend time alone because they are afraid of rejection, shame, or disgrace. This avoidance can result in social withdrawal and seclusion, which can make the situation worse.

Physical Symptoms

Various physical signs can tell if you have a social anxiety disorder. These signs include perspiration, shaking, blushing, dizziness, and palpitations. These symptoms, which can be upsetting and incapacitating, may appear before or during a social circumstance.

Difficulty Making Eye Contact

Facing difficulty in making eye contact, especially in social events is another sign that you or anyone you know may be suffering from a social anxiety disorder. Because eye contact can feel like an intense type of social engagement for them, this may be a symptom of self-consciousness and anxiety. People who suffer from social anxiety disorder may completely avoid eye contact or may make transient, short eye contact before turning away.

Also Read: Expert Talk: How To Manage Social Anxiety & Depression

Fear of Public Speaking

Public speaking is another prevalent fear that most of us have gone through. But those who suffer from social anxiety disorder may have a severe phobia of public speaking. When a dread of public speaking is severe enough, it may prevent someone from participating in job or school activities entirely.

Difficulty Starting or Maintaining Conversations

Especially in social settings, people with social anxiety disorders may find it difficult to start or continue discussions with others. They might avoid social settings entirely out of fear of saying the incorrect thing, sounding awkward, or being boring.

Bottomline

It's critical to get support and assistance from a mental health expert if you or someone you know exhibits these symptoms. Therapy, medication, or a mix of both can be used to address social anxiety disorder, and greater results can be achieved with early intervention.

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