A psychiatric illness that affects people at different ages is social shyness or social phobia, which makes people extremely uncomfortable and negatively impacts their daily activities. Recognizing the gravity of this issue and the detrimental effects it has on those who experience it, we offer all the therapeutic approaches appropriate for this problem at our psychological center, enabling the individual to overcome it under the guidance of a team of highly qualified professionals who have received specialized training in managing these kinds of disorders.
What does ” social anxiety” actually mean?
The scientific word for a certain pathological condition that some people experience is social phobia, which is the same as social shyness. When attending any events or activities that involve a crowd of people, one may experience a state of intense disorientation, anxiety, panic, and tension. This condition is characterized by a few symptoms that may get worse with time. There is a higher likelihood of meeting new people or strangers in larger gatherings.
Due to intense fears that they will be subjected to humiliation, criticism, mockery, or other things that will upset and discomfort them, people with this disorder typically shun social gatherings, parties, and events that involve lots of people. Instead, they prefer solitude and total distancing from everyone.
What factors give rise to social shyness?
Numerous psychologists have used trials, field research, psychological studies, and other methods to look for the origins of social shyness and ways to treat it. Many factors, including those related to brain chemistry, educational mistakes, genetic and inherited factors, and environmental influences, have been found to contribute to this issue. These complicated and overlapping causes have been uncovered by these studies.
We can list the primary and typical causes in the following order:
1/ Having gone through difficult childhood events that left one feeling ashamed and embarrassed to be around people.
2/ Insufficient self-assurance, a skewed perception of oneself, and low self-worth.
3/ Being raised in a hostile atmosphere with a violent and insulting upbringing, as well as frequent arguments and confrontations between parents.
4/ Going through traumatic events like physical or sexual assault.
5/ Being subjected to mockery or harassment.
6/ The existence of a physical flaw, infirmity, or shortcoming that exacerbates the person sense of social rejection and shame.
7/ Getting this issue from one or both of your parents.
8/ There’s an imbalance in the chemistry of the brain, like not enough serotonin.
Regarding humans, is shyness a sickness?
Is shyness a mental illness?
Is a question that many ask. What degree of a psychiatric problem does it qualify for those needsto be addressed through therapy?
Actually, the response differs somewhat depending on the individual circumstances and how his shyness affects his social skills.
It may not be necessary to treat shyness in these situations, as it is regarded as a personality trait, if the person experiences social anxiety in relation to events and gatherings but does not have to deal with it on a regular or temporary basis and can move through life transitions and interactions without it impairing their effectiveness or performance.
When someone line of work demands them to interact with the public—preachers, lecturers, or others, for example—and they feel incapable of doing so, it impedes their ability to advance in their career and negatively impacts their quality of life overall, then this is a disease that needs to be treated.
The principal signs of social anxiety:
Social shyness manifests itself in different ways in different people. Some people have easily controlled, minor symptoms, while others have obvious, severe, and aggressive symptoms. The following are arguably the most well-known of them:
-Having prolonged feelings of trepidation and anxiety prior to a social gathering.
-His attention is diverted by his prolonged reflections on that incident.
-A strong desire to conceal feelings of shyness and bewilderment.
-A lot of sweating. -Experiencing nausea or vomiting.
– Trembling and dizziness in the limbs.
-Having trouble speaking and stuttering.
Is shyness and social anxiety the same thing?
Although social anxiety and social phobia are sometimes used interchangeably to describe the same condition, their definitions differ. When shyness and introversion are associated with particular times and don’t go away, it’s called shyness. Shyness is characterized by modest symptoms that an individual can conceal and go on with their life.
Phobia is characterized by a protracted, tense, and anxious mood combined with a fear of humiliation or criticism. It has strong, obvious symptoms that start before the event, continue to impair the person during the event, and linger even after it has ended.
How can social shyness be overcome?
Individuals who struggle with social anxiety aspire to overcome their social timidity in order to resume a regular and cohesive life, be able to face others, build positive relationships, and be unrestricted by others’ opinions or judgments.
It takes multiple approaches to treat social shyness. This is carried out based on how severe the symptoms are and how much of a harm it does to the owner. In accordance with the factors that led to it, it is also done. Addressing the root cause can be enough to put an end to the issue or get rid of it entirely. It is possible to state that overcoming social shyness is Both the individual and the psychotherapist bear responsibility for it.
Regarding the therapist responsibilities, they comprise the following:
Cognitive and behavioral treatments:
Along with using strategies to alter, supervise, and regulate behavior and thoughts, it entails having a conversation with the patient about his ideas and beliefs as well as learning about his experiences and how they impact him in this domain.
Medication therapy: When symptoms become intense and uncomfortable, the doctor suggests taking some sedative drugs to assist the patient feel comfortable and preserve emotional equilibrium. In this regard, the individual has the responsibility to abide by some very helpful and practical suggestions, which includes:
1/Building self-worth and confidence.
2/ Develop your social integration skills gradually.
3/ Use a loud voice to greet coworkers.
4/ Develop the skill of reacting politely to criticism or sarcasm so that it doesn’t make someone feel embarrassed.
5/ Looking people in the eyes when conversing and interacting with them.
6/ Paying moderate attention to appearance helps to lessen emotions of perplexity, dread, or anxiety.
7/Each of these techniques—deep breathing, relaxation, and meditation—helps you feel at ease and reduce anxiety.
8/ Go over past events and say encouraging things to reassure the person that his worries are unfounded, and his anxiousness is needless.
Last but not least,
dear reader, if you struggle with social anxiety and have tried everything to get over it but are unable to, you can turn to our Britmed center. Here, you will discover that we have a highly qualified team of psychotherapists who specialize in treating these conditions. If necessary, you might also seek the assistance of a psychiatrist.
Sources:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/social-anxiety/
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-
Websites related to the article
British Psychological Society: https://www.bps.org.uk/
National Health Service (NHS): https://www.nhs.uk/
American Psychological Association (APA): https://www.apa.org/
Britmed Healthcare: https://britmedhealthcare.co.uk/
Nightingale Hospital: https://www.nightingalehospital.co.uk/
