Social Anxiety: Signs, Symptoms, and Solutions

Whether one is ill..?

I used to feel uncomfortable in crowded places and was always conscious of others' opinions.
Sometimes I would try to hide my feelings.
For several years now, I have been staying in my in-laws' house, hiding in my room and afraid to go downstairs.
I often feel awkward and want to escape.
Although I know it's not right to avoid helping out, I just can't bring myself to go down.
Even when I need to take a shower, I first check if anyone is around; only when I see no one do I hurry to the bathroom downstairs.
I also don't dare to eat with them, as I feel very uneasy and awkward.
My husband often goes out and wants to take me with him to gatherings, but I always refuse.
I'm worried about embarrassing him and afraid of others' judgment.
I looked up similar symptoms online and suspect that I might have social anxiety disorder.

saya, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2020/07/10

Dr. Huang Xiaoxian reply Psychiatry

Thank you for your question.
It sounds like this situation has been ongoing for many years.
I'm not sure if it was initially related to a specific stressful event, but there seem to be some symptoms of anxiety as well.
I recommend that you visit a psychosomatic medicine clinic for further evaluation, where appropriate medication and psychological counseling can be provided.
Wishing you all the best.

Reply Date: 2020/07/10

More Info

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a common mental health condition characterized by an intense fear of social situations where one may be judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others. Your description of feeling uncomfortable in crowded places, worrying excessively about others' perceptions, and avoiding social interactions aligns closely with the symptoms of social anxiety.

Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety
1. Intense Fear of Social Situations: Individuals with social anxiety often experience overwhelming fear in situations where they might be the center of attention, such as parties, gatherings, or even family meals. This fear can lead to avoidance behaviors, such as staying in a room or refusing invitations.

2. Physical Symptoms: Many people with social anxiety experience physical symptoms when faced with social situations. These can include sweating, trembling, rapid heartbeat, and even gastrointestinal distress. These symptoms can further exacerbate feelings of anxiety and lead to a cycle of avoidance.

3. Negative Self-Perception: A common trait among those with social anxiety is a distorted view of oneself. You might feel that you are being judged harshly by others, leading to feelings of inadequacy or embarrassment. This can manifest as a fear of being perceived as awkward or incompetent.

4. Avoidance Behavior: As you've mentioned, avoiding social situations is a common coping mechanism. This can include staying in your room, refusing to participate in family meals, or declining invitations to social events. While this may provide temporary relief, it often reinforces the anxiety and makes it harder to engage in social situations in the future.

Solutions and Coping Strategies
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety. It involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns and beliefs that contribute to anxiety. Working with a therapist can help you develop coping strategies and gradually expose yourself to feared social situations in a controlled manner.

2. Exposure Therapy: This is a specific type of CBT that focuses on gradually exposing you to the situations you fear. Starting with less intimidating scenarios and slowly working your way up can help desensitize you to the anxiety-provoking situations.

3. Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce anxiety symptoms. These techniques can help you stay grounded in the present moment and reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety.

4. Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to help manage symptoms of social anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and benzodiazepines are commonly used to treat anxiety disorders. It’s essential to discuss the potential benefits and side effects with a healthcare provider.

5. Support Groups: Connecting with others who experience similar challenges can provide a sense of community and understanding. Support groups can offer encouragement and practical advice on coping with social anxiety.

6. Gradual Exposure to Social Situations: Start small by engaging in low-pressure social situations. This could be as simple as saying hello to a neighbor or participating in a brief conversation with a cashier. Gradually increase the complexity and duration of these interactions as you become more comfortable.

7. Challenge Negative Thoughts: Work on identifying and reframing negative thoughts about yourself and social situations. For example, instead of thinking, "Everyone will judge me," try to reframe it to, "Most people are focused on themselves and not paying attention to me."

Conclusion
Social anxiety can be debilitating, but it is important to remember that you are not alone and that help is available. Seeking professional support, whether through therapy or medication, can significantly improve your quality of life. Additionally, practicing self-compassion and understanding that overcoming social anxiety is a gradual process can help alleviate some of the pressure you may feel. Remember, taking small steps towards engaging in social situations can lead to significant progress over time.

Similar Q&A

Overcoming Social Anxiety: Seeking Help and Finding Solutions

Hello Dr. Chen: As the title suggests, I believe I have social anxiety disorder. I have listed my symptoms and examples... 1. I am hesitant to go shopping alone because I have to speak to the store staff; even ordering food is difficult for me to initiate. 2. I am very afraid of ...

Dr. Chen Wenyu reply Psychiatry
Hello, Xiao Pang: Some anticipated anxiety and negative thinking may appear to others as "overthinking." In fact, the individual often knows they are overthinking, but how can they stop themselves from doing so? In your case, social anxiety disorder involves not only an...

Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Impact, and Solutions

Hello Doctor, I have had social anxiety since childhood, and I often experience the following issues: 1. I hesitate to greet people or speak too softly, so others can't hear me, which makes me feel rude. 2. I dislike social settings, which make me very uncomfortable. 3. I ge...

Dr. Wu Enliang reply Psychiatry
Hello, (1) Could this be social anxiety disorder? I have taken related online tests and the results indicate moderate social anxiety disorder. A: It is possible that it is social anxiety disorder. (2) Should I see a doctor or seek psychological counseling? A: If it is very distre...

Understanding Social Withdrawal: Overcoming Anxiety and Building Connections

I have researched online and found that my situation resembles social withdrawal disorder. I am afraid to initiate conversations and interactions with others. I fear rejection and worry about being criticized behind my back. I believe that if I take the initiative to engage with ...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello Qianqian: Your situation may indeed be related to social anxiety. It's important to be patient, as this condition has the potential to improve. You have your own goals and dreams, and you can truly appreciate and understand the hard work your mother has put in. However...

Understanding Social Anxiety: Overcoming Challenges in Social Situations

Hello, doctor. I apologize if my question seems a bit strange. I have been introverted and quiet since childhood. I can interact normally with my family, but at school, I hardly speak—usually only responding or nodding, and I rarely say more than ten sentences from kindergarten t...

Dr. Liang Sunyuan reply Psychiatry
Hello, Bao Bao: Your situation may indicate a social anxiety response, but you can still continue to engage in social activities, which shows that there is no significant impact on your social functioning. Laughing occasionally during games is perfectly fine as long as your frien...