Shyness and Social Anxiety

If you find it difficult to make friends, feel uneasy in specific scenarios, and frequently experience anxiety when in the company of others, it is likely that you are experiencing social anxiety.  Social anxiety can manifest in several ways, causing significant distress and impacting your ability to engage in social interactions.

People with social anxiety often feel self-conscious and have an overwhelming fear of being judged by others.  They may constantly worry about saying or doing something embarrassing, which can intensify their anxiety.

Physical symptoms like a racing heartbeat, sweating, trembling or an upset stomach are also common experiences associated with social anxiety.  These symptoms can further exacerbate the discomfort and made social situations incredibly challenging to navigate.

As a result, individuals with social anxiety tend to avoid or limit their participation in social gatherings, events, or even simple conversations.  This avoidance behaviour provides temporary relief, but can lead to feelings of isolation, loneliness and hinder personal growth and development.

Recognising social anxiety is an important step towards seeking appropriate support.  It is vital to remember that you are not alone in facing these challenges and there are resources available to help you overcome social anxiety.

Read on for further information.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a condition that goes beyond mere shyness.  It involves a persistent fear that affects various aspects of daily life, including self-confidence, relationships, work, or academic performance.  While occasional concerns about social situations are normal, individuals with social anxiety experience excessive worry before, during and after such scenarios.

Signs that indicate one might be suffering from social anxiety include:

• Worrying excessively about everyday activities, such as speaking on the phone, shopping, starting conversations, meeting strangers, or working.
• Avoiding or being overly anxious about social events, such as group conversations, parties or eating with others.
• Constantly worrying about being embarrassed, blushing, sweating, trembling, or appearing incompetent.
• Finding it hard to perform tasks when others are observing. Feeling as though being watched and judged all the time.
• Having a fear of being criticised, avoiding eye contact, or having low self-esteem.
• Experiencing physical symptoms, as sweating, trembling, feeling sick or having a pounding heartbeat (palpitations).
• Having panic attacks that cause an overwhelming sense of fear and anxiety, usually lasting for only a few minutes.

Why do I have Social Anxiety?

There are several reasons why you have social anxiety.  It is important to recognise that everyone is unique with distinct thoughts and emotions.  Each person having their own interpretation of the world through experiences and feelings in a personal manner.

Several factors that can contribute to the development of social anxiety.

Parenting Style

Research indicates that parenting style plays a crucial role in the development of social anxiety.  Parents who adopt an unhealthy approach tend to raise children who struggle with social anxiety.

These parents are often critical of their children, and they exhibit excessive control.  They tend to prioritise the opinions of others over their children’s emotional needs and may show little affection towards them.

As a result, their children often grow up with trust issues and heightened levels of anxiety.  They may fear criticism and their self-esteem and self-confidence levels tend to be low.

Past Trauma

Frequently, individuals who have been subjected to bullying during childhood and adolescence, develop towards social situations.

Past experiences have taught them that social activities result in negative interactions with others.  Without this being resolved, the individual is in constant protection mode and negative self-beliefs.

In addition, various other traumatic experiences can contribute to the development of social anxiety.  These may include instances of physical or emotional abuse, family conflicts or a death of a loved one.

Social Media

Social media has had many negative effects, including a significant rise in cyberbullying among children and teenagers.  Additionally, social media often promotes sharing only the most positive experiences, creating unrealistic expectations for a glamorous lifestyle.  This can lead to feelings of guilt, shame, and fear when unrealistic standards are not met.

Moreover, social media has changed the social reward system with the number of likes on a post becoming a measure of popularity.  However, social media does not reflect the real world and can increase sensitivity to lifestyle differences.  This can further contribute to setting unrealistic standards for oneself.

Is there a name for Social Anxiety?

Experiencing nervousness in certain social situation is a common occurrence, such as feeling butterflies in your stomach before a presentation or a date.  However, in the case of social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia.

Ordinary social interactions can trigger intense feelings of anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment, due to the fear of being evaluated or judged harshly by others.

Hypnotherapy and Social Anxiety

Hypnotherapy can be an effective treatment option for people dealing with social anxiety.  There are several positive aspects of hypnotherapy for social anxiety, including:

Identifying the Root Cause

Hypnotherapy can help to uncover the underlying cause of social anxiety, such as past traumas or negative thought patterns.  By addressing the root cause in a safe and supportive environment, hypnotherapy aims to bring about profound healing and transformation.

Though deep relaxation and focused attention, hypnotherapy can assist in reprogramming the subconscious mind, fostering positive beliefs and self-confidence.  With guidance, hypnotherapy can explore and release the emotional burdens that contribute to social anxiety, leading to lasting change and a renewed sense of inner peace and resilience.

Changing Negative Beliefs

Hypnotherapy can bring about profound changes in negative beliefs related to social anxiety.  By accessing the subconscious mind in a relaxed state, hypnotherapy can effectively identify and challenge deep-rooted negative beliefs that contribute to social anxiety.

Through guided imagery, positive suggestions, and therapeutic techniques.  Hypnotherapy can help reframe distorted thinking patterns and replace them with more empowering and realistic beliefs.  This process enables the development of new perspectives in social situations, fostering a sense of confidence, self-worth, and social ease.  As negative beliefs are gradually replaced with positive and adaptive ones, the experience is a transformative shift, allowing the approach to social interactions with greater ease, assertiveness, and a renewed belief system in capabilities.  Hypnotherapy offers a valuable tool for rewiring the subconscious mind and creating lasting changes in one’s perception.

If you would like help with Social Anxiety and would like further information about Hypnotherapy.

Call, text or email me on 07976 970 489 – paula@nurtured-mind.co.uk