Triggers for social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
The following situations are often stressful for people with social anxiety disorder:
- Meeting new people
- Being the center of attention
- Being watched while doing something
- Making small talk
- Public speaking
- Performing on stage
- Being teased or criticized
- Talking with “important” people or authority figures
- Being called on in class
- Going on a date
- Making phone calls
- Using public bathrooms
- Taking exams
- Eating or drinking in public
- Speaking up in a meeting
- Attending parties or other social gatherings
It's perfectly normal to feel a degree of anxiety or nerves in situations where we might come under the scrutiny of others. Giving a speech, presenting or hosting a seminar for work colleagues is likely to cause nervousness and anxiety before and during the performance.
For those who experience social phobia (sometimes known as social anxiety disorder), being the focus of other people’s attention can lead to intense anxiety. They may fear being criticised, embarrassed or humiliated, even in the most ordinary, everyday situations. For example, the prospect of eating in front of other people at a restaurant can be daunting for people with social phobia.
Social phobia can also be specific; where people fear a specific situation or a few situations related to a specific fear (such as being assertive at work or with their friends). For those that experience these intense emotions as a result of being in these situations can feel trapped. At wellness solutions we customise our treatment plans by using counselling approaches that you respond to.