Do you fear social judgment or struggle to feel at ease in social interactions? In this blog post, we’ll break down what social anxiety is and explore how you can start feeling more comfortable with yourself and others.
What is Social Anxiety?
While terms like "shyness" or "introversion" describe personality traits, social anxiety is different. It involves persistent, intense fear or anxiety about specific social situations, often due to the belief that you may be judged negatively, embarrassed, or humiliated.
Social anxiety can touch many areas of life, from work and friendships to dating and everyday interactions. Common signs of social anxiety include:
Nervousness when speaking with authority figures (teachers, supervisors, healthcare professionals)
Tension when talking about yourself or your feelings
Worrying about not knowing what to say
Physical symptoms such as shaky hands, tripping over words, and blushing
To manage these fears, we often rely on two main strategies: avoidance or endurance.
Avoiding: You might avoid social events or arrive for a meeting just in time to skip small talk.
Enduring: If avoidance isn’t possible, you may endure social situations but use safety behaviours—like excessive drinking or asking all the questions—to soothe anxiety.
The Core of Social Anxiety: Feeling Flawed
At the root of social anxiety is often a deep-seated belief that something about you is embarrassing, deficient, or flawed. Dr. Ellen Hendriksen outlines four areas where people with social anxiety may feel flawed:
Anxiety: Fear that others will notice physical signs of anxiety like sweating or shaking hands.
Appearance: Belief that there’s something shameful about your looks.
Character: Questioning your personality and feeling fundamentally inadequate.
Social Skills: Perception of yourself as awkward or unable to communicate effectively.
The Impact of Social Anxiety on Our Lives
Social anxiety can hold us back in several ways:
Limiting career opportunities
Isolating us from potential friendships and romantic relationships
Leaving us feeling lonely and disconnected
Finding Relief from Social Anxiety
Finding Relief from Social AnxietyThe journey to overcoming social anxiety begins with self-compassion and small, manageable steps. Here’s how you can start:
Recognize Your Inner Critic: Identify the harsh, critical voice that expects the worst and magnifies social “failures.”
Seek Professional Support: A therapist can help you uncover the core fears driving your social anxiety, explore their origins, and challenge your negative beliefs.
Practice Self-Compassion: Treat yourself with the same kindness you’d offer a close friend.
Gradual Exposure: With support, slowly face the situations that trigger anxiety, building confidence and resilience over time.
Take the First Step
Are you ready to take the first step toward overcoming social anxiety? Book your free 20-minute consultation today and start feeling more comfortable in your own skin.
Warmly,
Hannah Peirce
For further reading, check out Ellen Hendriksen’s "How to Be Yourself: Quiet Your Inner Critic and Rise Above Social Anxiety."
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