Social Anxiety Counselling Blog #18
Boys don’t cry?
Social anxiety or social phobia is a debilitating condition which can impact massively on the lives of those affected.
What is it?
Social anxiety is an intense fear of social situations or of situations which involve elements of interaction with others. The constant fear of judgement or criticism can lead to distancing and shutting off from the world, a world seen as full of threat. This can lead to big problems, especially in situations which tend to be social and that expect social interactions from those involved – situations like college!
Signs of social anxiety can include:
Negative view of self
Negative thoughts and images of self and own ability to successfully integrate into society. Embarrassment, fear, low self-esteem and unrealistic demands on self.
Behavior changes
Avoidance tactics and stress over planning what to say and when – if what is said or done will be accepted or not.
Physical changes
Heart beating faster, sweating and fear – all of which could be because of social anxiety and all of which could lead to more anxiety around being judged!! Social anxiety can lead to panic attacks and feeling overwhelmed.
If any of these things sound like you, you’re not alone.
What’s the impact of social anxiety?
The impact of social anxiety on a person’s potential could be huge. Avoidance of things like buses or busy reception areas, classes and especially classes involving an element of presentation in front of an audience. This can affect grades; low grades can affect self-confidence, and things can just get worse.
What can help?
Talking to someone can help. Seeing a counsellor and working through possible causes of your social anxiety in a safe space, even on the phone or online, could lead to an increase in self-esteem, self-confidence and an understanding of your own ability to be confident socially. A counsellor or support worker could help by working through strategies that help with spending longer in difficult situations, rationalising negative thoughts and working towards a more positive perception of yourself and others.
Where to get help
College counselling team: counsellorreferral@nptcgroup.ac.uk
Free support 24/7 counselling support: Home – Kooth Student
Samaritans free 24-hour support line: Tel: 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/
Anxiety UK: National charity helping people with Anxiety – Anxiety UK
YoungMinds: YoungMinds | Mental Health Charity For Children And Young People | YoungMinds
Blog Archive
Men’s mental health awareness month Counselling Blog #17
OCD Awareness Week 13th-19th October Counselling Blog #16
Suicide Prevention Day A Call for Awareness and Support College Counselling Blog #14
Coping With Stress: College Counselling Blog #13
Welcome to World Bipolar Day: College Counselling Blog #12
Maintaining Resilience Around Exam Time: College Counselling Blog #11
Eating Disorder Awareness Week: College Counselling Blog #10
New Year, New Me: College Counselling Blog #9
Supporting Mental Health & Wellbeing During the Holiday Season: College Counselling Blog #8
Bereavement: College Counselling Blog #7
Returning To Normal Life: College Counselling Blog #6
Stress: College Counselling Blog #5
Loneliness: College Counselling Blog #4
Journaling: College Counselling Blog #3