Giving presentations, interviewing for a job and meeting new people can all trigger stomach butterflies from time to time. However, for some people, anxiety in social situations can get in the way of enjoying life. Whether you’re shy or living with a diagnosed anxiety disorder, you deserve to experience the joy interpersonal connection can bring. Let’s examine these common issues and look at how you can overcome social anxiety and shyness.
Social anxiety disorder is defined by persistent and intense fear of social situations. People with social anxiety often avoid situations like parties or work functions due to fear of judgment or humiliation, though they may feel nervous in other contexts as well.
Social anxiety may also lead to a number of physical symptoms, such as blushing, sweating, dizziness and a churning stomach. For someone with social anxiety, just the thought of a stressful social situation could be enough to make them feel sick.
Social anxiety varies in severity from person to person. Some people are almost always distressed around others, while some may feel nervous only when speaking in public or making a phone call. Doctors usually diagnose someone with social anxiety when the condition is causing them significant distress or interfering with their life.
Just as generalized anxiety is different from overthinking, social anxiety is different from shyness. Though the two overlap in many ways, they aren’t the same thing. Social anxiety is more severe and disruptive than a case of standard shyness.
When you know someone who prefers to sit quietly during a conversation rather than contribute, you might say, “Oh, they’re just shy.” Someone who is shy may prefer to sit on the sidelines. They like to observe and think before they act. Sometimes, they may even want to evaluate a person or situation before they dive in to say hello.
The difference between shyness and social anxiety is a matter of degree. While both groups may display similar behavior, a shy person is less likely to feel distressed by social situations. An introvert may be happy to let others do the talking. Someone with social anxiety is too afraid to interrupt.
It can be difficult to tell the difference between shyness and anxiety, especially because many people are labeled “shy” as children. If you feel like what you’re experiencing surpasses standard shyness, consult your doctor. They can help you identify what you’re feeling and recommend a course of action.
Though social anxiety and shyness are different, they can both be worked through. Out-of-control anxiety can disrupt work, strain relationships and even hold your back from pursuing your ambitions, so getting better is vital.
Here are five things you can do to start working through your social anxiety for a better social life:
Struggling in social situations isn’t fun for anybody. If you’re shy or a person with social anxiety, you may have more difficulty engaging with others. However, this issue doesn’t have to hold you back – you now have tools for how to overcome social anxiety. Through practice and persistence, you can improve your social skills and begin to feel more relaxed.
