Social Anxiety

Some of us go from sneaking out for stuff to sneaking out from stuff. The way I see it, to be socially anxious is to be in a constant state of mental disturbance when surrounded.

For instance, a neurotypical who accidentally got a coffee stain on their tux in an opera would spend every moment in that situation, hiding the stain, making sure no one realizes that underneath the fancy three-piece, two-button Kiton, there’s a stain of imperfection.

Now they could accept their imperfection and live with the stain. Make the stain to define them, to mark them out amidst all the Armanis and Burberries. But then, what if that’s not what they want their definition to be? What if being pointed out was not what they ever sought? Walking around with a handkerchief on their waistcoat is what they prefer.

Now, hiding isn’t a veil to “Shyness” it’s a veil to “discomfort”.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder (also called social phobia) is a mental health condition that can be defined as an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and your other day-to-day activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends as stated by the NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH.

Social Anxiety Disorder OR well S.A.D is a real deal (please notice the irony). In fact, the global statistics for SAD show that a little more than one in three, approximately 36% of the global population is out there, holding the napkins. So, like you could actually say that more people would rather be in a casket than deliver a eulogy at a funeral.

How does it manifest? What are the signs and symptoms?

Someone with social anxiety could possibly struggle with:

• Public speaking
• Making eye contacts
• meeting /facing new people
• Public spots or parties or gathering
• GETTING PICTURES CLICKED?

Physically one such person would find it harder to form sentences, sweat excessively, has spasms or shiver, gets nauseous, or blushes.

Now, if it isn't obvious, that's not normal and not a way someone would prefer to function. thereby making it a legitimate illness and not a hoax, but I'll get back to that later.

Now, you might wonder;

What Causes Social anxiety?

We don’t have a particular causality though there are claims that support the idea that genetics and environment influence the expression of symptoms.

We have researches that point towards bullying, careless parenting, and destructive criticism, and sexual abuse at early ages are the few major environmental factors.

Physical anomalies like serotonin imbalance might contribute to this condition. An overactive amygdala, as stated by healthline.com could also cause an aggravation in the condition.

Now, for those of you who don’t know, Serotonin is the feel-good hormone and the amygdala is the part of the emotional brain that regulates feelings of fear and anxieties

That being said, similar to any mental illness we can’t fix it or treat it. But, we could learn to deal with it, to grow out of it, and to be more comfortable with our thoughts and our response to environmental stimuli, thereby living more comfortably.

How is it treated?

Now, we need to understand that every mind is unique thus, the way it receives and responds to environmental stimuli is unique and thus analysing the reception and responses can not be put into catalogs or books. The best way around any mental illness would be to seek professional help.

That being said, we can look into possible treatments available, as discussed by healthline.com and NIMH.

Exposure therapy

It is to expose a patient to the sources of stress and anxiety under a regulated environment, thereby preventing any avoiding; somewhat like “face your fears”.

Cognitive behavioural therapy

It is a psycho-social intervention that focuses on changing and challenging cognitive behaviors and distortions, improving emotional response, and thus creating a better mental space. It involves various breathing and relaxation techniques.

Managing Lifestyle

• Avoiding stimulants such as caffeine, cocaine and meth.
• Having a decent 7–9 hours of sleep at a stretch
• Keeping yourself hydrated and having proper square meals to take some load off your stress reception mechanism

Now, all of this is the discussion that was probably not asked for? Why should I even bother, if there’s someone around me, possibly socially anxious?

Well, according to the Anxiety and Depression association of America, about 36% of people with social anxiety never speak about it, until they have had the symptoms for at least 10 years? Imagine having to suffer a solitude for almost a decade, when you see everything around you happy, only because you can’t possibly blend into the society. A socially anxious person is not “recluse”, and it’s scary because it could possibly direct one to drug or alcohol abuse, depression or even suicide. It is important to be addressed, hence the conversation.