What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety refers to the fear of social situations, often fueled by concerns about being judged, criticized, or perceived negatively by others. It can arise in various social contexts, from parties to one-on-one interactions. Though some level of social anxiety is normal, it becomes a problem when it starts to impair important areas of life, like work, study, or relationships.

Evolutionary Background to Social Anxiety

Our ancestors’ need for group acceptance and collaboration was a survival necessity, making social exclusion a significant threat. This evolutionary past has left us with a heightened sensitivity to social cues and a strong desire to avoid negative social evaluation. Today, our brains can still react to social situations as if they have life-or-death consequences, even when they don’t.

Avoidance & Social Anxiety

Avoidance might provide short-term relief from social anxiety, but it reinforces our fears in the long run and can make our world increasingly smaller. For example, declining a speaking opportunity at a friend’s wedding might bring immediate relief, but it also forgoes a chance to build confidence. Recognizing this avoidance pattern is the first step towards challenging and gradually changing it.

Social Anxiety Thinking Traps

Common thinking traps that amplify social anxiety include ‘Mind Reading’ (assuming we know what others are thinking and that it’s negative), ‘Catastrophising’ (imagining the worst possible outcome), and ‘Overgeneralization’ (assuming a single event reflects a recurring pattern). Awareness of these thinking traps is pivotal; it allows us to challenge and replace these distortions with more balanced and realistic thoughts.

Strategies for Effectively Managing Social Anxiety

Start with small exposure experiments, working your way up to more challenging social situations. Practice mindfulness and deep breathing to ground yourself during anxiety-provoking situations. Catch and challenge unhelpful thoughts and prepare in advance for known triggers. Celebrate your successes, no matter how small, and embrace the journey towards growth and resilience.