Imagine you are standing in a room filled with people; everyone is quiet expecting you to present your speech to them. Without looking at their faces, you can feel their eyes peering into your skin. All of a sudden, your heart begins to race, your palms get very sweaty, and your mind races with a thousand worries. Your mind goes blank and you can’t seem to remember any of the things you had planned to say.

Apparently, this is not the first time it’s happening to you. You always feel judged, very self-conscious and you avoid meeting new people due to persistent fear and anxiety. This problem has made it quite difficult for you to do normal tasks like interacting with people at work or in school. At this stage, you are exhibiting signs of what is known as social phobia.

What is Social Phobia?

Social Phobia, also known as Social Anxiety Disorder is a debilitating mental health condition characterized by an intense and irrational fear of social situations and the constant dread of negative judgment. It extends far beyond the usual pre-presentation jitters or mild embarrassment. It often remains hidden beneath a calm exterior.

This phobia is one of the most common mental disorders that can affect anyone. It begins between ages 11 and 19 years, and it could continue for years to affect one’s proper functioning in the society if not properly treated. This disorder may resemble extreme shyness, but it isn’t mere shyness.

For some, this fear is limited to one or two particular situations, like speaking in public or initiating a conversation. Others are very anxious and afraid of any social situation. These situations can include dating, making eye contact, entering rooms, using public restrooms, going to parties, eating in front of other people, going to school or starting conversations.

Someone who has social phobia can also exhibit physical symptoms like rapid heartbeat, muscle tension, dizziness and lightheadedness, blushing, crying, sweating, stomach trouble and diarrhea, heavy breathing and so on. Such a person might start having these symptoms before the event or might spend weeks worrying about it. Afterward, he/she would spend weeks worrying about how he/she performed at the event.

What causes Social Phobia?

The exact causes of social phobia are multifaceted and can include:

1. Genetics: Research suggests a genetic component in social anxiety, where the disorder may run in families.
2. Brain Chemistry: Imbalances in neurotransmitters like serotonin may play a role in the development of social phobia.
3. Environmental Factors: Traumatic or humiliating social experiences in the past can contribute to the onset of social phobia.
4. Learned Behavior: Observing others’ social anxiety or experiencing overprotective parenting may increase the risk of social phobia.

Strategies for Managing Social Phobia           

Fortunately, there are strategies and treatments that can help individuals with this anxiety disorder regain control over their lives:

1. Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This helps individuals identify and challenge irrational thoughts and beliefs about social situations. It teaches coping mechanisms to reduce anxiety and improve self-confidence. It can also help you learn and practice social skills; it is a gold standard for psychotherapy.
2. Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to feared social situations, under the guidance of a therapist, helps individuals build tolerance and reduce anxiety over time.
3. Medication: In some cases, medication such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) may be prescribed to manage symptoms. This is commonly used to treat depression, but they can also help treat the symptoms of social phobia.
4. Support Groups: Sharing experiences with others who have social phobia can provide a sense of community and understanding. In a group of people struggling with this disorder, you can receive unbiased, honest feedback about how others in the group see you. This way, you can learn that your thoughts about judgment and rejection are not true or are distorted.
5. Self-Care and Lifestyle Changes: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, adequate sleep, and stress-reduction techniques can all contribute to managing social anxiety.

Social Phobia is a common but often misunderstood condition. It is not just a minor personality quirk but a real and debilitating mental health condition. By relating it to everyday scenarios, we can begin to empathize with the challenges faced by individuals living with social phobia. Awareness, support, and effective treatments are essential in helping those affected regain their confidence, build meaningful relationships, and lead fulfilling lives. By recognizing and addressing this invisible struggle, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive society.

If you are experiencing social phobia symptoms, have an honest conversation about how you’re feeling with someone you trust. If it continues to affect your school or work life, talk to a health care provider about your mental health.

About Author

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde

Oluwafunmilayo Makinde is a Communication and Language Arts graduate from the University of Ibadan. She is also a creative writer, journalist and a mental health advocate. Funmilayo believes in the power of using creative words to change the world’s belief system and values.

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