When you’re in a crowded place, you think that people are watching and criticizing you. You’re afraid something embarrassing might happen, you feel anxious, nervous, and tense. All of this interferes with your daily functioning. What are these thoughts connected to? Why do these feelings arise, and what is the cause of them?
A person is a social being and constantly needs connection with society. When this connection is broken, various problems arise. One of the reasons for the disruption of social interactions is social phobia. With social phobia, a person is afraid of being in crowded places, places where they’ll have to speak. This fear is accompanied by thoughts that people are watching them, they’re afraid of drawing attention from strangers, and they think people will criticize them.
Social phobia – Is it a mental disorder?
Social phobia is a mental disorder and belongs to the category of anxiety disorders. When someone has social phobia, they experience excessive anxiety in crowded places, which interferes with their daily functioning and makes it difficult for them to cope. People with social phobia often fear social interactions in advance, leading them to isolate themselves at home and avoid various social activities.
This anxiety can manifest in situations like public speaking, meeting new people, or even eating or drinking in front of others. The intense fear of being judged or embarrassed makes individuals with social phobia avoid these situations, which can lead to isolation and difficulties in personal, academic, or professional life.
What characterizes social phobia?
Like other disorders, social phobia has specific symptoms and manifestations. One of the key characteristics is the critical attitude of the person with social phobia towards their condition. This means that the person does not want to acknowledge the existence of the problem, realizes the irrationality of their thoughts, yet still struggles to cope with the symptoms.
Social phobia is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Intense fear of social interactions and being evaluated. The person constantly worries about how others perceive them.
- Avoidance of social situations. The individual tries to avoid circumstances where they might be evaluated.
- Physical symptoms in social situations: increased heart rate, sweating, trembling, shortness of breath.
- The fear of social interactions can be broad or specific (e.g., public speaking, talking to strangers).
The above-mentioned symptoms are often accompanied by physical symptoms such as:
- Redness
- Shaking
- Increased heart rate
- Muscle tension
Treatment:
- Psychotherapy (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)
- Medication treatment
- Social skills training
- Stress management techniques
Despite the fact that social phobia is a serious mental disorder, it is treatable and can be overcome!
Author: Avtandil Papiashvili
Editors: Guga Sikharulidze, Elene Khomeriki, Mariam Akhmeteli