By Carol Goh
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When making a speech in front of an audience or meeting new people in an unfamiliar environment for the first time, it is common for most people to feel apprehensive and timid. However, social anxiety disorder goes beyond mere shyness and nervousness.
What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder is a common yet under-diagnosed condition that affects people of all ages and cultures. Characterised by an overwhelming fear of social settings, individuals are constantly worried about being judged, scrutinised, or humiliating themselves in a social situation.
Sometimes, the anxiety and fear may become so intense that it interferes with day-to-day life. An individual may start to feel anxious just by thinking about social situations and go to great lengths to avoid them.
Causes of social anxiety disorder
Research suggests that social anxiety disorder is typically caused by a combination of both environmental and biological factors.
Environmental influences that could contribute to and increase risk include:
- Bullying or constant teasing
- Being shamed in the past
- Having an overly critical parent
- Emotional or sexual abuse
- Family conflicts
- Having witnessed someone in a traumatic social situation
Apart from environmental influences, biological factors can also play a role. Individuals with social anxiety may have imbalances of certain neurotransmitters in the brain (e.g., serotonin, dopamine, norepinephrine). For instance, an imbalance in serotonin—the brain chemical that helps regulate emotions—may contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder
Individuals with social anxiety disorder often know that their fear is irrational, yet are still unable to control their emotions. Social anxiety can occur in many settings or be specific to one (such as public speaking).
Physical symptoms:
- Blushing
- Nausea
- Trembling or shaking
- Muscle tension
- Racing heart
- Sweating profusely
- Feeling light-headed or dizzy
Cognitive symptoms:
- Intense worry or fear of social situations
- Fear of humiliating oneself in front of others
- Fear of being judged
- Dreading and worrying for days or weeks before a social event
In extreme cases, individuals may avoid or leave social settings—including school or work—when these symptoms arise. Some may rely on alcohol to face a social situation, which can lead to additional problems.
Treatment for social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder can be treated in various ways and often varies from person to person. A suite of psychotherapy techniques such as Schema Therapy, Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR), Gestalt therapy, visualisation, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) can help individuals understand and work through their emotions and beliefs.
Learn more: EMDR · Schema Therapy · Psychotherapy.
Role-playing is also a key technique that allows individuals to rehearse how to respond in feared situations, often paired with graded exposure and skills for attention-shifting, self-soothing, and compassionate self-talk.
At home, helpful habits include getting restful sleep and reducing caffeine. Lack of sleep can worsen anxiety symptoms, while caffeine can amplify the body’s “fight-or-flight” responses.
Conclusion
If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety disorder and would like to seek therapy for anxiety, our psychotherapist at Emotional Wellness Counselling Singapore can help. We provide professional and effective counselling in Singapore that integrates evidence-based psychotherapy to help you gain control over your emotions.
- Contact us or book an appointment
- Prefer chat first? WhatsApp us for a quicker response.
For related reading, see Conquer Anxiety Problems With Counselling in Singapore.
