Social Anxiety

Up to 20% of Adults are impacted by Anxiety Disorders Each Year

Miner, S., Takov, V., 2022

Almost 10% of Children Ages 3-17 are Diagnosed with Anxiety

CDC

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

People who have social anxiety disorder (previously known as social phobia) fear social situations where they may be exposed to possible scrutiny from others. Some people have this fear around one type of interaction (like worrying that they will need to make small talk when going to an appointment), while others have fear and anxiety in many more areas. Most people with SAD find themselves worried about social interactions, being observed, and/or performing in front of others.

Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder

  • You find yourself “white knuckling” (struggling to endure) some social situations when you can’t just avoid them

  • You worry about other people noticing how anxious you are and judging you in a negative way

  • You avoid feeling embarrassed or humiliated in any way

  • You come across as shy or withdrawn to others

  • You don’t talk much about yourself

  • You overestimate the negative consideration of interaction or possible judgment

How I Treat SAD

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Research indicates that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is especially helpful in managing symptoms of social anxiety. In therapy people learn to build confidence in themselves and their interactions, and challenge unhelpful ways of thinking that are keeping you stuck. Time is spent experimenting going into social situations in a way that challenges you without overwhelming you.

Social Skills Training

People with SAD usually don’t lack social skills, but they do tend to have trouble using them. This is where Social Skills Training comes in. This training helps people learn (or re-learn) how to do things they have previously been avoiding like being assertive, making contact or starting a conversation.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, people learn to embrace life’s painful experiences while committing to values-driven living, making it easier to navigate tough situations.

Sources:

  • American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.books.9780890425596

  • Cognitive behavioral therapy - Mayo Clinic. (2019, March 16). https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/cognitive-behavioral-therapy/about/pac-20384610

  • Cuncic, A., MA. (2024, January 16). An overview of social skills training. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/social-skills-4157216

  • Research-Based Treatment - Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety. (2015, September 22). Andrew Kukes Foundation for Social Anxiety. https://akfsa.org/research-evidence-based-treatment/
    Social anxiety disorder. (n.d.). National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/social-anxiety-disorder