4. Alex’s Story: Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is an intense fear of being judged or humiliated in a public sphere. It can manifest as withdrawing from friends, avoiding social engagements and even pulling out of work or uni, even when it is important to you. The Ten Signs of Social Anxiety 1. Intense fear of humiliation or of being judged. 2. Fear of interacting with strangers. 3. Fear that someone will notice physical symptoms. Eg. sweating, shaking. 4. Fear of speaking. Eg. stuttering or stumbling. 5. Fear of being the centre of attention. 6. Tension during social events. Eg. Social events are tiring. 7. Over analysing after a social event. 8. Ruminating on every tiny detail and assuming the worst. 9. Children with social anxiety can express anxiety by acting out with strangers when they don’t do so with you or at home. 10. Being a public performer and public speaking. Social anxiety occurs when you spend your time thinking about YOU. In order to have meaningful social encounters, it’s important to put your focus on the OTHER. Focus on the people around you, not on yourself.