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Hey Psych2Goers, have you ever noticed a friend
who always cancels plans last minute?
Some people may feel that this is rude.
However, this might be a sign of social anxiety disorder,
not rudeness.
Everyone experiences some level of social anxiousness
at one time or another,
but those with social anxiety disorder
experience above average levels of worry,
fear and panic in social situations.
Before we begin this video is for educational purposes only,
and is not a substitute for professional guidance,
advice, treatment, or diagnosis.
If you relate to this video,
we advise you to consult
a mental health professional for help.
To raise awareness about social anxiety
let's look at 10 signs it's social anxiety not rudeness.
Number one, struggling to make eye contact.
Often people with social anxiety disorder
describe looking someone in the eyes as
"Anxiety provoking and uncomfortable."
This is likely due to genetic wiring.
People diagnosed with social anxiety disorder
have a pronounced fear of direct eye contact.
If you have social anxiety, the part of your brain
that warns you of danger can be triggered by eye contact.
- Number two, not eating food because they're afraid
it may get stuck in their teeth.
Do you have a fear of eating in front of others?
Some questions that may run through your head include
"What if I spill my food or drink?
What if I choke or draw attention to myself?"
The fear of eating in front of others can interfere
with your social life and even school or work.
Socializing usually includes some form of food or drink.
Business meetings sometimes take place over lunch or dinner.
School cafeterias can be crowded.
Fear of eating and drinking in front of others
can be triggered by a wide variety of situations.
Foods, and dining companions.
- Number three, canceling plans last minute.
Do you or someone you know
frequently cancel plans last minute?
You may become sucked into a cycle of anxious,
overwhelming thoughts, and back out at the last minute.
For example,
"What if my friends think I'm boring or awkward?"
According to a licensed psychotherapist in Hoboken,
New Jersey, Courtney Glashow, LCSW,
found that these overwhelming anxious thoughts
can be challenged
using cognitive behavioral therapy.
It helps to reframe your worrying thoughts
so that you feel more at ease
about interacting with other people.
Number four, shutting down in a group setting.
Do you remain silent in group settings
because you're afraid you'll be judged about what you say?
When you suffer from social anxiety
you tend to avoid social situations
and shut down in a group setting.
You shut down not because you're rude,
but because of the intense fear of embarrassment.
People without social anxiety usually brush off
an awkward social moment and move on.
However, when you make a mistake in a social setting,
you spend days or even months replaying
the mistake in your head.
Number five, having an outburst over something
others consider small.
Do you sometimes find yourself having an angry outburst
towards something only mildly irritating.
Those with social anxiety may have difficulty falling asleep
or staying asleep and become sleep deprived.
Over time, lack of sleep can trigger individuals
to become more sensitive to small problems
and quick to anger, yelling at the dog for barking,
becoming angry in traffic,
getting upset because of a long line at the grocery store,
or lashing out over an honest mistake
are all small triggers that turn into monumental challenges
for an individual who is struggling with social anxiety.
Being mindful of anger outbursts by keeping a journal
and taking time to reflect on why this anger occurred
can often help individuals realize their anxiety triggers.
Number six, being glued to the phone or social media.
Do you pull out your phone anytime
you're around people you don't know?
Phones or social media are a distraction
that those with social anxiety frequently use
to take their mind off of overwhelming thoughts.
You may feel like everyone is judging you.
So taking out your phone distracts you and helps you escape.
Number seven, struggling to open up
and have a deeper conversation.
Underlying social anxiety disorder
is the fear of being scrutinized, judged,
or embarrassed by others.
You may be afraid that people will think badly of you
or that you won't measure up in comparison to others.
Therefore, you'll struggle to open up
and have a deeper conversation.
Even though you probably realize
that your fears of being judged are somewhat irrational
and overblown, you still can't help but feel anxious.
Number eight, leaving a party early.
Do you always worry that you'll embarrass yourself
or people around you might be embarrassed by you?
People with social anxiety might be intimidated
by the idea of parties because they overthink
about how others are scrutinizing and judging them harshly.
And because of this, they're easily drained
by interactions with other people.
Number nine, appearing tense in group settings.
Do you often feel awkward or tense in a group?
People with social anxiety disorder realize
that their level of fear is excessive,
which can cause individuals to fear being judged
or rejected for appearing anxious, blushing, sweating,
or coming across as incompetent or boring.
This may lead to avoidance of social situations
or enduring them with a sense of distress.
Number 10, creating a false time constraint.
Do you come up with false excuses to leave early
from a social interaction so that you don't feel stressed?
Someone with social anxiety may create
a false time constraint to avoid social interactions
and to ensure that they don't feel trapped in them.
Does this sound like you?
Do you find yourself doing any of these signs?
Social interaction can be stressful and draining,
but they'll always be a part of life.
You can use various coping methods
and slowly come out of your comfort zone.
But you don't have to do it alone.
If you or your loved ones exhibit any of these signs
please consult a mental health professional for help.
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All the references used
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Thank you for watching and we'll see you next time.