Social Anxiety

What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety is much more than being shy. It's when you feel really scared or worried about social situations - like talking to people, eating in front of others, or being watched. This fear is so strong that it affects your daily life.

Many people feel a bit nervous sometimes, but social anxiety is different. The worry is there before, during, and after social situations. It doesn't just go away on its own.

What does social anxiety feel like?

If you have social anxiety, you might:

• Worry a lot about everyday things like meeting new people, making phone calls, or shopping
• Avoid parties, group conversations, or eating with other people
• Feel like everyone is watching and judging you all the time
• Worry about doing something embarrassing like blushing, sweating, or saying the wrong thing
• Find it hard to look people in the eye
• Feel your heart beating fast, feel sick, sweat, or shake in social situations
• Sometimes have panic attacks where you feel overwhelmed with fear

When should you get help?

Speak to your GP if social anxiety is affecting your life. This might be stopping you from going to work, school, or spending time with friends and family.

Your GP understands that many people struggle with social anxiety. They won't judge you. They'll ask about how you feel and what happens in social situations to understand your experience better.

If they think you might have social anxiety, they can refer you to a mental health specialist. You can also refer yourself directly to NHS talking therapy services without seeing your GP first.

What can help with social anxiety?

Things you can try yourself:

• Keep a diary of when you feel anxious and what triggers it
• Try breathing exercises and relaxation techniques
• Break scary situations into smaller, easier steps
• Focus on what people are actually saying instead of assuming the worst

Professional treatments:

• Talking therapy (CBT) - This helps you understand and change negative thoughts and behaviours. It's often the most helpful treatment
• Guided self-help - Working through workbooks or online courses with support from a therapist
• Medicine - Sometimes antidepressants like escitalopram or sertraline can help (usually not given to children and young people)

Some people need to try different treatments or combinations to find what works best.

Social anxiety in children

Children can have social anxiety too. Signs include:

• Crying or getting upset more than usual
• Getting angry often
• Not wanting to play with other children
• Being scared of school or school activities
• Always needing to stay close to parents

If you're worried about your child, speak to your GP. Treatment for children is similar but specially designed for their age, often involving parents too.

Getting support

Remember, social anxiety is very common and treatable. There are also support groups and charities like Anxiety UK and Mind that can help.

Don't suffer in silence - help is available, and you can get better with the right support.

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Based on NHS.uk guidance. Written by Dr Krishnan Pasupathi, NHS GP.