Topic: anxiety

Question: What is social anxiety?

Answer (from Kaileen McMickle, MS, LPCLicensed Professional Counselor):
Almost everyone has some level of social anxiety.  Because we need others to survive (this is overwhelmingly true in the research) it makes sense we worry about what others think.  The thing to know is that social anxiety exists on a spectrum.  Some people experience very little, some more, and some feel debilitated by their social anxiety.  This can be influenced by past social experiences, including those within your family.  Going through trauma can make it more likely you will experience higher levels of social anxiety.The ways in which we regulate social anxiety can be really backward.  Because we are worried about embarrassment or judgment from others, we tend to overthink about our responses and react to people awkwardly, which robs us from our spontaneous responses and can  make people feel uncomfortable around us.  That doesn't always mean people are judging you, but it can still get in the way of genuine connection. Ruminating about what others think of you doesn't always mean you have a disorder.  However, if it is interfering with your functioning in any setting, that may be a sign that you could benefit from help.  You can always seek help no matter what level of social anxiety you have.With the condition of the nation right now, there aren't many groups running in person, but social anxiety groups are shown to be super effective for reduction of symptoms.  There may even be some online groups you could partake in if you think you could benefit.

Answer (from Ian Palombo#ThoughtMediator & #LifeUntangler):
Anxiety is not your fault or caused by anything you have or haven’t done. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 40 million adults, or 18% of Americans, experience an anxiety disorder. If you are suffering from social anxiety you may experience the following:Constant feelings of dread about social situations;A pounding or racing heart when interacting with others; Anticipating the worst about interactions with others, regardless of evidence;Physical symptoms like headaches, sweating, shakes and jumpiness, trouble concentrating, a frequent need to urinate and stomach uneasinessThoughts like, “It’s safer to stay at home..."Fear of being away from a bathroom or medical servicesI know that anxiety can come with a stigma, and that may have stopped you from seeking the care you need in the past. Reach out to a counselor today.

Answer (from Sherry Katz, LCSWCouples and Family Therapist, LCSW):
Social anxiety means feeling very uneasy in social situations.  Often people are fearful of being judged, rejected, criticized, mocked, any bad feeling you can think of, even before they make any approach to someone in the group.Social anxiety is a fear someone has about being treated poorly without any sign which justifies feeling this way.If you walk into a group of people which specifically has a sign of not wanting to accept anyone who hasn't been part of the group for at least a dozen years, then walking into this group would justifiably trigger anxiety.If you walk into a business or organization meeting which assumes anyone who has an interest in the purpose of the group is welcome, and you do, and you feel anxiety imagining you'll fall short of expectations, is social anxiety.

Answer (from Lauren Ostrowski, MA, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, CCTP, CCHI tailor my therapeutic approach to each client's strengths and goals):
Social anxiety is fear of social situations where someone is exposed to the public scrutiny of others. It could include things like having conversations with people you don't know, being observed, or public speaking, etc.You can find more information here: https://socialanxietyinstitute.org/what-is-social-anxiety