Overview
For many students, college is the first time they have had to establish friendships outside of an organized environment, like high school or sports teams. College often lacks structure, making the process of meeting people intimidating. It is normal to have difficulties starting new friendships in college. Finding groups and environments of similarly minded people can be challenging. Social worries can extend to not only friends but professionals. It can be normal to feel intimidated or anxious to talk with professors or other professionals. If you are experiencing distress within all areas of your life, like work or school, you may be experiencing social anxiety.
Social anxiety is characterized by persistent fears or anxiety about possible rejection or judgement in social situations. People with social anxiety tend to fear negative evaluation. At times, social anxiety can contribute to hyper-awareness. Hyper-awareness creates fear that others will notice and judge signs of anxiety, such as blushing, trembling, sweating, stumbling over words, or staring. Those with social anxiety sometimes notice a peak of anxiety when experiencing a bodily symptom of anxiety contributing to a lack of confidence. Because social situations are linked with fear, individuals struggling with social anxiety often avoid social scenarios.
Symptoms
Social anxiety manifests in thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and physically.
Thoughts:
- Thinking you do not fit in.
- Worrying about saying or doing the wrong thing.
- Negative self-talk or harshly judging oneself.
- Replaying social situations in one's mind.
Feelings:
- Anxiety.
- Fear.
- Shame.
Behaviors:
- Freezing – feeling physically or mentally unable to act or speak.
- Avoidance – intentionally not attending activities where one might have to socialize.
- Distracting oneself – Playing with a phone, daydreaming, or engaging in a non-social behavior to avoid speaking with others.
Physical:
- Rapid heart rate.
- Trembling or shaking.
- Shortness of breath.
- Sweating.
- Blushing.
- Stomach issues.
- Dizziness.
Resources
Online:
Podcast:
- USU - Vulnerability