Why does social anxiety develop, and how to overcome it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am currently experiencing extreme anxiety about social engagement. I used to have a little social anxiety earlier, but it has never been this bad. It has affected my family engagements, talking to my father or mother. I am extremely conscious about what I have to say and how to respond to what other people are saying. This has caused difficulties in socializing or beginning small conversations. I am afraid that I will say any wrong words. I am over-conscious and have trouble speaking spontaneously. I may seem normal by external appearance, but I am very anxious within. Can you explain what is happening?

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I can understand your concern.

The symptoms you are having are occurring due to anxiety. You have social anxiety, and due to this, you are having problems in social engagements, even while talking to your family members or parents. Fear of saying the wrong word is also part of social anxiety. However, you have mentioned that you can talk normally, but when the realization of having social anxiety occurs your mind shuts and you are not able to speak normally. This is occurring due to the association of anxiety with social anxiety. Unconsciously in your mind, the anxiety is there, but you have suppressed it successfully. Sometimes intrusive thoughts come into your mind, and these compel you to think that you have social anxiety and cause distraction of the mind. This distraction further aggravates social anxiety. As the anxiety is causing problems in your social functioning, I would suggest you consult a psychiatrist and take proper treatment.

I hope this information will help you.

Thanks.

Why does social anxiety develop, and how to overcome it?

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Company

Customer Care

Get iCliniq