Social Anxiety: More than Just Stage Fright

Have you ever experienced anxiety when giving a speech or being in front of a people? Maybe some you feel your heart start pounding or your face heat up. For some, these things make it difficult for them to sleep for days. A lot of people think the reason this is a person’s introverted personality. Certain levels of anxiety is fine and everyone experiences it. But if it is more severe, you may have a Social Anxiety Disorder.

    Social Anxiety is one of the very common psychological problems. Almost four out of ten university students are reported to have Social Anxiety Disorder, according to research was conducted by Pilkonis and Zimbardo in 1979. People who have these disorders tend to avoid social relationships rather than go see a doctor. Social Anxiety Disorder is a panic disorder. It can cause people to feel severe shyness in public places or social situations. Many people with this disorder may try to avoid all social things. The greatest example of this disorder is stage fright.

    There are many types of Social Anxiety Disorder. Some people feel anxiety when they drink or eat in front of people, write or read and call on the phone. The symptoms appeared on daily life. For the most part, it is known as teenagers and twenties are the most people who have this disorder. And 2~3% of American people have this disorder. Social Anxiety Disorder is differentiated from the normal shyness and triggers severe pain. It can make people cannot live normal life and have job or social relationship.

    According to research conducted by the American Psychiatric Association in 1994, east Asians are tend to avoid social relationship or atmosphere with worrying about their appearance, smell, the way they talk could be felt bad by others.

    The symptoms of this disorder have four traits. First, people who have this disorder feel permanent and repetitive panic when they have to work on social situation or assignments. They are seriously afraid of being assessed or insulted in front of people. For example, when they give speech, eat food in public restaurant, or during conversations with others. Second, they have physical reactions. Their face turns red, their heart starts beating faster, their hands are shaking. Also, they may have a stomachache and can passed out. Third, they recognize that their anxiety is unreasonable and excessive. They know that there’s no reason to be afraid of the social atmosphere and situation, but they can’t help their feelings. Fourth, they are trying to avoid facing society. It can relieve their anxiety only temporarily.

    The best way to recover is going to see a doctor. People can consult with a doctor and have cognitive behavioral therapy. And once people have treatment regularly, they can overcome their symptoms very easily.

    In addition, some people make their symptoms worse because there are only a few people around them who understand them. Or some of them do not recognize their symptoms as a disorder. People around them who have this Social Anxiety Disorder should take care of them and make them recognize it is serious. Family and friends are an important part  of the recovery process for those who suffer from a Social Anxiety Disorder.