Social Anxiety
Social anxiety, also known as social anxiety disorder (SAD), is a common anxiety that causes an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinized by others in social or performance situations.
What are the signs of social anxiety?
People with social anxiety often experience overwhelming anxiety in situations where they are the centre of attention or when they must interact with others, leading them to avoid social events or experiences where they might feel self-conscious.
Intense fear of judgment
A constant worry about being embarrassed or criticised in social situations.
Physical symptoms
Your child may experience sweating, trembling, a racing heart, dry mouth, nausea, or even dizziness when thinking about or participating in social interactions.
Avoidance behaviour
Your child may avoid social events, gatherings, or situations where they might interact with others. This avoidance can impact school, homelife and relationships.
Fear of speaking or being noticed
Your child may feel afraid of speaking up in class asking questions or even eating or drinking in front of others.
Excessive self-consciousness
A heightened awareness of how they may be perceived by others, often leading to overanalysing their behaviour after social interactions.
Difficulty with eye contact
Your child may find it hard to make eye contact during conversations because it makes them feel more exposed or vulnerable.
Low self-esteem
Your child may struggle with feelings of inadequacy or self-doubt, feeling like they're not "good enough" to be around others.
How does CBT help Social Anxiety?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective treatments for social anxiety.
CBT helps your child challenge and change the negative thought patterns that fuel their anxiety, such as believing that others are constantly judging them.
CBT also uses Exposure Therapy, where your child will gradually face feared social situations to desensitise them to the anxiety they cause.
Social Skills Training: This helps your child build confidence in social situations by teaching them ways to improve social interactions and develop better communication skills.
Mindfulness and Relaxation Techniques: Practicing mindfulness, deep breathing, and other relaxation techniques can help reduce anxiety in the moment and improve overall emotional regulation.