Social anxiety disorder: what is it?

Before attending various social events, we all have some anxiety and worry about being scrutinized by others, whether peers or complete strangers. For instance, your heart races when the instructor poses you a challenge before the rest of the class, your thoughts start to race before standing up to give a public speech, and so on. These anxious sensations are common and often pass with time.

However, those who have a social anxiety disorder or social phobia feel extreme fear and worry whenever they are the center of focus. People with this condition may have acute anxiety when going out to eat with friends, attending a party or wedding, giving a presentation, or participating in a conference at work.

Social phobia or social anxiety disorder is characterized by excessive anxiety in social settings and sometimes even at the thought of being in a social setting. Individuals experiencing social phobia experience illogical worry, dread, self-consciousness, and shame during routine social encounters.

^{Course: Enroll in our course “How to overcome excessive worry – CBT guide”}

^{Course: Enroll in or course “Psychotherapy for social anxiety” to know more about treatment options for social anxiety}

What signs and symptoms exist for social anxiety?

Physical and behavioral symptoms coexist in individuals who suffer from social anxiety. Trembling, sweating, nausea, and speech stuttering are some of the physical symptoms. Because they think others have noticed, such characteristics make the individual more self-conscious, which causes them to feel deeply humiliated and embarrassed. As a result, they could behave differently in the ways listed below:

• They make an effort to be silent in potentially awkward circumstances.
• They sever ties with others, both personally and professionally.
• They typically avoid making eye contact in public places.

The person may find it difficult to manage everyday life as a result of these symptoms, which can be quite stressful for them.

Read Blog: A Thin Line Between Social Anxiety Disorder and Shyness + Free Worksheet

What is the root of social anxiety?

The following are some of the contributing causes of social anxiety disorder:

• Family background: Most people think that social phobias run in families. However, it’s unclear if this is just a hereditary trait or if the youngster has learned this behavior.

• Past experiences: social phobia may develop as a result of early events in which a kid was subjected to bullying at school or other forms of humiliation.

• Childhood characteristics: Teenagers who are very clinging or shy may experience risky behavior.

Read Blog: Reduce Social Anxiety with these Coping Strategies + free worksheet

What is mindfulness?

Mindfulness can be regarded as an instrument for controlling anxiety. It entails remaining in the present moment, accepting everything as it is without passing judgment. Instead of becoming entangled in anxiety about the past or the future, it entails concentrating your focus on emotions, thoughts, and experiences in the now. This may be achieved by breathing exercises, meditation, or just by being more conscious of your emotions and thoughts during the day. It can be beneficial for controlling stress and anxiety, promoting general well-being, and focusing and concentrating better.

A non-judgmental and welcoming attitude toward your experiences is something you can cultivate via mindfulness, which may help you gain more self-awareness and perspective. It can also assist you in being more conscious of your feelings and how they affect your decisions and actions. By engaging in mindfulness exercises, you can develop the ability to deal with challenging circumstances and emotions in a more composed and self-compassionate manner as opposed to instinctively responding or becoming overwhelmed. Overall, practicing mindfulness may make your life more tranquil, present-focused, and aware.

What are the different types of mindfulness techniques?

You may utilize a variety of mindfulness practices to increase your level of present-moment awareness and acceptance. Below are a few examples of popular mindfulness exercises:

• Mindful Breathing: Focusing on your breathing as it enters and exits your body is known as mindful breathing. It may be done anytime, anyplace, and can be beneficial for reducing stress and anxiety.

• Body scan: Sit or lie down comfortably, and pay close attention to every area of your body, beginning with your toes and working your way to the top of your head. Take note of any sensations or emotions that surface while you concentrate on each body region.

• Observing your surroundings with awareness (Observing mindfulness): Setting aside time to do nothing but observe your surroundings is another method to integrate mindfulness into your everyday routine. This could be being aware of the visuals, noises, and scents around you or observing your body’s feelings as you move about your day.

• Guided meditation: A style of meditation known as “guided meditation” is one that is conducted by a teacher, either in person or by audio or video. It is advised that you have a professional guide you through the fundamentals of your meditation practice when you first begin.

You may try a variety of additional mindfulness practices, and you might discover that some of them are more effective compared to others. As you study and apply these tactics, it’s crucial to identify whatever makes the most sense for your situation and to be kind to yourself.

What is the relationship between mindfulness and social anxiety?

Usually, while we are preoccupied with worrisome thoughts, we are not aware of the current moment. We could be fixated on what might occur or what has already occurred. This may make it difficult for us to appreciate the moment and positively engage with others.

A highly helpful technique in conquering social anxiety is mindfulness.

The fundamental concept of mindfulness for social phobia remains the same: focusing attention on the current moment in a nonjudgmental manner. This may be accomplished by engaging in formal mindfulness exercises like meditation or just being more conscious of your environment and self in general.

The loop of unfavorable thinking that frequently results in anxious sensations and behaviors can be broken for those who struggle with social anxiety by practicing mindfulness. As you become more conscious of your ideas, you may begin to question them and recognize them as they are—just thoughts, not actual events. You may feel better in command of your anxiety and far less apprehensive in social situations as a result.

There is mounting consensus suggesting that mindfulness is a successful social anxiety therapy. According to a recent study, people who participated in an eight-week mindfulness program showed considerably fewer symptoms of social anxiety compared to individuals who did not.

Read Blog: Got social anxiety? Apply these methods of recovery

How to start practicing mindfulness for Social phobia?

You don’t need special tools to begin practicing mindfulness; everything you require is a few chunks of minutes to yourself, a place where you won’t be disturbed, and your attention on your breath. Additionally, it’s a smart option to approach mindfulness with an open, inquiring mindset and avoid obsessing over whether you’re performing it “properly.”

Here are some actions you may do to begin engaging in mindfulness training for social anxiety:

• Make time specifically designated for practicing mindfulness: Select a moment when you can be by yourself and aren’t distracted, such as right before bed or in the morning.

• Obtain a relaxed but upright sitting position: You can either cross your legs on a floor cushion while seated in a chair and your feet firmly on the floor.

• Draw focus to your breathing: Take note of how your breath feels as it enters and exits your body.

• Take note of any thoughts or feelings that emerge: Instead of attempting to control or avoid them, just observe them with acceptance and interest.

• Try using an affirmation or mantra: To restore yourself to the present moment if you begin to feel uneasy or apprehensive.

• Practice: Practice for a minimum of 10 to 15 minutes every day, and as you get more comfortable, extend your practice time.

Keep in mind that developing mindfulness is an ability that requires time and repetition. It’s acceptable if you first have problems focusing or if your mind wanders. Simply return to the current moment and treat yourself kindly.

Mindfulness tips and techniques to overcome social anxiety

You may utilize a variety of mindfulness practices to help you get over your social anxiety. Here are some quick mindfulness techniques you might want to try if you want to control your social anxiety:

• One well-liked method is mindful breathing. This requires you to concentrate on your breath as it enters and exits your body. You may feel more at ease and composed as a result of this. This entails being aware of your breath as it enters and exits your body. Take a couple of deep breaths and concentrate on how the air feels in and out of your lungs whenever you begin to feel worried.

• Visualization is yet another mindfulness method. This entails seeing oneself in an anxiously inducing circumstance, like making a presentation or interacting with a stranger. Once you’ve pictured the circumstance, picture how you want it to proceed, such as being at ease and feeling confident.

• To increase your awareness of your thoughts, practice mindfulness. Having negative, self-defeating ideas, such as “Everyone is criticizing me,” is a common symptom of social anxiety. You can train yourself to recognize these ideas as they come up and to recognize that they are only thoughts, not actual realities, by engaging in mindfulness practices. This can enable you to react to them in a way that is more reasonable and acceptable.

• Observe your surroundings with awareness. Setting aside time to do nothing but observe your surroundings is another method to integrate mindfulness into your everyday routine. This could be being aware of the visuals, noises, and scents around you or observing your body’s feelings as you move about your day.

• Utilize mindfulness to control your emotions. People who have social anxiety may experience strong feelings like dread, concern, or humiliation. You may avoid being overcome by these emotions by learning to recognize and acknowledge them as they come up via the practice of mindfulness. This can assist you in handling challenging thoughts in a more effective manner.

Additionally, mindfulness can assist you in managing any outward indicators of social anxiety, along with perspiration or a racing heart. You can lessen these symptoms by concentrating on your breathing and relaxing your body.

Read Blog: Prana Vikshana for fighting Depression & Anxiety

Read Blog: How kundalini meditation can help with mental health?

Conclusion

Mindfulness can be a useful management strategy for social anxiety disorder. Socially anxious individuals will be able to better control their emotions and lessen anxiety in social settings by focusing on the current moment and embracing feelings and thoughts without judgment. In order to have the optimum benefits, mindfulness should be utilized in addition to other therapeutic modalities like counseling and medicine. To completely incorporate mindfulness into one’s life and experience its full advantages, may also require some time and practice. However, mindfulness may be a potent strategy for controlling social anxiety and enhancing general well-being with commitment and focus.

Enroll in our Accredited CBT Therapy for Anxiety Online Course

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Practitioner (CBT) Udemy Course
• How to overcome excessive worry – CBT guide Udemy Course
• Managing OCD with Mindfulness & CBT Udemy Course
• CBT Counseling with Mindfulness for self-compassion Udemy Course
• CBT for Fear of Abandonment & People leaving you Udemy Course

Download Free worksheet of this article