Imagine walking into a room full of people and feeling your heart race, your palms sweat, and an overwhelming desire to escape. For many people, these reactions are a daily reality due to fobia social.
This disorder, which affects millions around the world, goes beyond simple shyness, making social interactions a real challenge.
In this article, we’ll explore what social phobia is, its causes, symptoms, and how to overcome it. Read on to learn how to identify this condition and find effective ways to treat it.
What is social phobia?
Social phobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by an intense and persistent fear of being judged, humiliated, or embarrassed in social situations.
This fear can trigger avoidant behavior and interfere with daily life, affecting work, school, and personal relationships.
According to the American Psychiatric Association, about 7% of the US population suffers from social phobia at some point in their lives.
Difference between social phobia and shyness
Although both social phobia and shyness involve discomfort in social situations, social phobia is more extreme and disabling.
Shyness is a personality trait that can cause some nervousness, but it does not prevent the person from participating in social activities.
In contrast, social phobia causes anxiety so intense that it leads the person to systematically avoid social situations.
While shyness can diminish with time and exposure, social phobia often requires professional treatment to overcome.
How social phobia manifests itself
Social phobia can manifest itself in a number of ways, depending on the situation and the person involved. For example, the disorder can be the result of traumatic experiences, bullying, exclusion, and other psychologically significant experiences.
Some people may experience symptoms only in specific situations, such as public speaking, while others may experience anxiety in almost any social interaction.
Typical manifestations include avoiding encounters with other people, feeling an intense fear of being watched or judged, and experiencing uncomfortable physical and emotional symptoms.
Signs and symptoms of social phobia
Physical symptoms
Social phobia generates a fight or flight reaction in the body. In other words, the person suffering from it sees themselves, even if unconsciously, facing a threat.
Therefore, this condition usually causes symptoms and signs in the body, including:
- Sweating: excessive sweating in social situations;
- Tremors: shaky hands or shaky voice when speaking;
- Palpitations: rapid heartbeat;
- Nausea: feeling sick or having stomach pain.
Emotional symptoms
Emotional symptoms of social phobia include:
- Intense fear of judgment: constant concern about being negatively evaluated by others;
- Anticipatory anxiety: extreme nervousness before social events;
- Feelings of shame: to feel embarrassed or humiliated easily.
Behavioral symptoms
Common behaviors in people with social phobia may include:
- Avoidance or escape from social situations: avoid meetings, parties or work meetings, or even participate in these environments, but leave because you cannot tolerate the anxiety or catastrophic thoughts and the feeling of not belonging there;
- Difficulty interacting with other people: avoiding conversations or maintaining eye contact, having difficulty answering questions and not having developed social skills and being unable to develop speech;
- Social isolation: preferring to be alone to avoid social anxiety;
- Risk behaviors: Sometimes, the person with the disorder seeks refuge in alcohol or other drugs to “cope” with social anxiety or “let go more”, which can lead to abuse and bring more risks to the individual.
Causes and risk factors of social phobia
Genetic factors
Genetics may play a role in predisposition to social phobia.
Studies suggest that the disorder may be more common in people with a family history of anxiety or other mental disorders.
Environmental factors
Life experiences, such as trauma or overprotective upbringing, can contribute to the development of social phobia.
Children who face bullying, rejection, or harsh criticism may be more susceptible to developing this disorder.
Psychological factors
Personality characteristics, such as low self-esteem or high sensitivity to criticism, can influence social phobia.
Additionally, other psychological conditions, such as depression and anxiety, can exacerbate symptoms.
Diagnosis of social phobia
The diagnosis of social phobia is made by mental health professionals through clinical evaluations that include interviews and questionnaires.
It is essential that the diagnosis is accurate so that appropriate treatment can be initiated.
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) is often used as a reference.
It is worth noting that a specialist’s assessment can be carried out physically or through telepsychology.
What are the impacts of social phobia on daily life?
Social phobia can affect a number of areas of life, having an impact on the following areas:
- social: difficulty making and keeping friends, avoiding social events;
- academic: fear of public speaking or participating in classroom discussions;
- at work: avoid important presentations or meetings, affecting professional performance;
- loving: difficulty initiating and maintaining romantic relationships due to social anxiety.
Treatments for social phobia
As with most mental disorders, the treatment of social phobia is multifactorial and involves social, environmental, genetic and biological issues.
So, let’s look at some of the approaches to treating social anxiety.
Psychotherapy
There are several types of therapy that are effective for social phobia. Psychotherapy is an effective tool that can help patients deal better with social phobia, increasing their tolerance to social events with psychological support and overcoming their fears, little by little, in a controlled manner.
Medicines
Medications such as antidepressants and anxiolytics can be used to treat social phobia. However, it is important to undergo an evaluation with a psychiatrist. Never self-medicate. Psychiatric medications should only be used under medical supervision.
These medications help reduce anxiety symptoms and are often combined with psychotherapy for best results.
How to deal with and overcome social phobia?
Self-care practices
Self-care practices can help alleviate the symptoms of social phobia. These practices include:
- Physical activity: regular exercise can improve mood and reduce anxiety;
- Healthy eating: a balanced diet can contribute to overall well-being;
- Relaxation techniques: Practices such as meditation and yoga can help reduce stress.
Development of social skills
Developing social skills early on can prevent social phobia.
Participating in group activities and practicing social interactions can increase confidence and reduce anxiety.
For example, theater classes, which require a certain amount of exposure, are of great value in the recovery and prevention of social phobia.
When to seek professional help
If social phobia is significantly affecting your daily life, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional.
Telepsychology can offer a convenient way to access these services.
How long will it take to overcome social phobia?
The time it takes to overcome social phobia varies from person to person and depends on several factors, including the severity of symptoms and adherence to treatment.
With a proper treatment plan, many people begin to see improvements within a few weeks to months.
Ultimately, dealing with social phobia is challenging, but it is possible to find relief and improve your quality of life with proper treatment.
If you or someone you know is experiencing this condition, consider seeking professional help.
As mentioned, self-care practices and emotional support are good aids for overcoming social phobia, however, specialized support is important so that you can gradually develop social phobia and improve your social interaction and communication skills.
In this sense, a psychologist offers you a safe space, qualified listening and a respectful, careful process that takes into account your individuality. This way, you develop mechanisms to not only deal with social phobia, but also understand what led to it.
At Conexa, you will find psychologists and psychiatrists who provide online consultations and can assist you from anywhere. This is an important first step towards overcoming social phobia.
Image credits: Alona Siniehina em iStock
