We are all beyond excited that the world is opening up again and we can get back to doing the things we love and have missed. Being naturally social human beings - the pandemic forced many of us into a state of fear when lockdown was announced. This was possibly the worst nightmare for many people, and whilst you may think this was a dream come true for others, at least they had the choice of where and who they felt comfortable with, lockdown took this right of choice away, forcing some to fall deeper into their social phobia.
So, where does this leave us socially and how has it affected our habits. Have we all gotten a bit rusty at how to be social? What is acceptable in our ‘new world’?
When the announcement came that we could go forth and stretch our social wings and mingle - if you were anything like me, the idea of seeing people and walking about freely was received with pure joy and excitement. I could hardly wait.! But then some people were saying that they had this feeling of insecurity, nervousness, and a hint of anxiety. What did this mean?
The past year and a half has majorly restricted our exposure to others, in person. As we start to engage and socialise again, there may be a significant risk of anxiety for even the most extroverted. For the others, this may have sucked them deeper into their world of self-isolation.
What is social anxiety exactly, and how do we identify it and fix it?
Social anxiety disorder or social phobia is a mental health condition that is triggered by an upcoming event or social gathering. This disorder includes a fear of being watched, or judged by others, grouped with internal insecurities and self-judgement.
· Triggers vary amongst people, including but not limited to:
· Meeting new people
· Having to talk to people at work or school
· Being called to speak in front of an audience
· Using a public restroom
· Eating in public
· Having to perform in front of others
· Being the focus of attention
· Feeling exposed
Although the person knows that this fear is perhaps excessive, the level of anxiety is so overpowering and uncontrollable - which cannot be rationalised or calmed.
What happens physically to someone experiencing social anxiety?
Physical symptoms include - blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, increased heart rate and mind ‘blankness’.
· Panic attacks
· Fear of appearing anxious in front of others
· Difficulty in speaking
· Rigid body posture
· Speaking softly or quickly
· Making or maintaining eye-contact
· Negative self-talk
· Struggling to breathe normally
If social anxiety goes untreated, it may persist throughout life, with peaks and troughs of severity. However, there are areas you can work on yourself, but seeking professional support is a great way to bring certain bigger issues to the front.
As a professional hypnotherapist, these are areas that can and have been successfully treated. Hypnotherapy works by accessing the Sub-Conscious mind, which is why it works quickly and effectively. Getting to the root cause and changing self-limiting beliefs. Helping most people to break free of Social Anxiety forever.