Social Anxiety is hardly a common term or word that you get to hear everyday.
But most people, at different times in their lives, have been plagued by shyness.
Remember the feeling of being introduced to a crowd of total strangers for the very first time? Or do you recall a childhood friend who was considered the laughing-stock in grade school? Any parent will tell you that it’s also normal for the little sister to be teased by older siblings or to be criticized by her playmates. Anyone who has taken center stage during an oral debate in school would also claim to have experienced a sudden breakout of sweat and uncontrolled shivering. Being the center of attention is always a desirable thing. For shy people, it can cause terrible “butterflies” and fainting spells.
Shy people tend to exhibit timidity, fear, and, in some occasions, even phobia. More than just being overly self-conscious or averse to meeting people, people with Social Anxiety think and feel that everyone seems to be watching their every move. They can’t relax and are constantly afraid that people are “judging” them in some way. Even their mobility is hampered by their excessive fear of being in public. Walking inside a mall or strolling in a park is a constant struggle.
People who have this type of anxiety disorder tend to isolate themselves, even if they are around familiar people. It is a crippling condition called Social Phobia or Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety is overwhelming fear of social situations where you may be “judged” negatively, and because of this, you become so self-conscious and afraid to be humiliated in front of others. Aside from fear and anxiety, people with phobias do everything they can to avoid their phobic stimulus.
Medical health professionals use the following signs in people to determine the presence of a social phobia: