What Will They Think of Me? Overcoming Social Anxiety

Article Title: "What will they think of me? Overcoming social anxiety"

Author: Larina Kase

At the beginning of this of this article it talks about anxiety in social situations. Larina Kase starts off by telling the reader that a little anxiety can actually make one pump up or get excited, but there is also intense anxiety. Intense anxiety can actually get in the way of everyday life, the anxiety of social encounters. "It sometimes stands in the way of speaking up at work, meeting new people, enjoying social gatherings, having fulfilling relationships, and sharing your ideas with others" (page2).This is called social phobia. "Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is the fear of social situations, like attending a party or a group for dinner" (page 1). People with social phobia are afraid they might embarrass themselves. They worry so much it effects how they think, act, and behave.

Every anxiety consists of three components, thoughts, physical reactions, and behaviors. People with social phobia are always worried about others thinking negatively of them. They worry that they'll be treated badly if they embarrassed themselves. Not only do they worry what people will say, but the repercussions of public humiliation. Like people might talk behind their backs. The effects of this anxiety does not stop at thoughts. "With social phobia experience several uncomfortable physical sensations when they are in feared social situations. Some of the common symptoms include blushing, sweating, feeling nauseated, shaking or trembling, diarrhea, fast heart rate, lightheaded/dizzy, or feeling hot or cold" (page 2). A person suffering from anxiety will start to worry that these symptoms are recognizable. This is when people start to act out of the norm to try and cover up the symptoms. For example not attending a gathering one was invited to, because of the fear of embarrassment and feeling uncomfortable.

"Fifteen million adults in the U.S. have social phobia" (page2). There are two severities of social phobia one "is called 'generalized social phobia'" which is the more broad, because the anxiety isn't focused on certain situations. The other is more specific, the anxiety is focused on certain encounters. This may be due to biological traits. "Those who have close relatives have anxiety problems may be more likely to develop a problem with anxiety..." (page2). Different traits can affect how the brain functions under stress. "Social