Do you have a hard time talking to other people? Do you feel that the world is all against you? Do you struggle with relationships, social situations, or jobs because of your anxiety?
If so, then this post is for you. We will explore what social anxiety psychologistdisorder (SAD) is and how it affects people and provide resources for overcoming it.
Many things make up our world in the twenty-first century. The internet has impacted our lives in ways, both big and small, over the last few decades, especially when it comes to how we communicate with one another on a day-to-day basis. Social media has taken off and become a massive part of many people’s lives. There are so many other ways we interact with others online now instead of in person. Online communication is much easier, but that may be part of the problem. It is easier to hide behind the anonymity of a computer or smartphone screen instead of saying what is on your mind in person without the fear you will be judged harshly.
Many things postulate why social anxiety disorder has become more common in recent years. We can blame it on smartphones and social media to an extent because there is no accountability, and you can easily hide who you are when communicating with others online versus face-to-face. But it is a bit more complicated. Just like people who have depression feel so much better when they receive support from friends and family and other people who understand, social anxiety disorder has a way of making you feel better when you reach out to others. You receive the help you need, making you feel better about yourself.
Now, let’s explore a little bit about what SAD is in more detail. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder in which an individual has an intense fear of being embarrassed or humiliated by others. They are afraid of being watched, judged by others, or looking foolish in front of other people. Furthermore, they may also experience feelings of panic when they are around other people, even if they feel desperate to talk in person with them. If you have ever felt self-conscious in the presence of other people, then you probably have an idea of what it feels like to be under the power of social anxiety disorder.
When you have a social anxiety disorder, you may have difficulty with your friendships, work, or family relationships. You might even avoid going to places or being in situations that involve other people. You could be afraid to talk in public and fear that others are judging or looking at you funny. The symptoms of SAD can range from mild to severe, depending on the situation and the person affected.