Social Anxiety - How to Recognize and Respond Effectively

Published on

January 16, 2025

Social anxiety goes much farther than “shyness.” As the name suggests, it is anxiety created in situations where a person may feel they are going to be judged. It can arise in situations like public speaking, meeting new people, dating, job interviews, answering questions in class, or interactions with family. If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety, this post will give a few hints on how to recognize the signs, and some helpful tips.

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How to Support a Person with Social Anxiety

Here are a few techniques to recognize social anxiety:

External Signs of Social Anxiety

Difficulty maintaining eye contact
Fidgeting
Blushing

Internal Signs of Social Anxiety

Rapid heartbeat
Tightness in chest
Overthinking social interactions

Now that we have some basic understanding of how to recognize it, here are some do’s and don'ts in aiding someone with social anxiety.

Helpful Strategies

Offer support without pressure: Let them know you are there for them, but do not force them into situations they are uncomfortable with. For example, instead of saying, “You should just go to the party,” try, “I’m happy to go with you if that helps.”
Celebrate progress: If someone with social anxiety is making an effort to push out of their comfort zone, try to be open and aware of this and encourage them. A simple “I noticed how you handled that meeting—you did great!” can do wonders to boost confidence.

Unhelpful Strategies

Do not bring attention to their behaviour: If someone is experiencing social anxiety and you bring more attention to their awkward or uncomfortable presentation, it only exacerbates the anxiety they are experiencing
Do not minimize their feelings: Avoid saying things like “it’s all in your head” or “just get over it.” These statements are minimizing and dismissive.

Being able to recognize social anxiety is the first step toward building a more compassionate and inclusive environment. By acknowledging your own experiences with social anxiety, you can practice self-compassion and take meaningful steps toward personal growth. With awareness and support, those struggling with social anxiety can learn new strategies to manage their condition and thrive in social settings.

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Need more strategies on how to overcome social anxiety? Our team is here to help! Set up a free 15 minute phone consultation today with one of our Mental Health Therapists.

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