Christian Little

Do you know that social anxiety disorder is something that is devastating to many people, and especially to teenagers? Teenagers who have a social anxiety problem, or simply social phobia, are very much concerned about being embarrassed or humiliated by other people. Despite the nature of their fears being unreasonable, they cannot view them objectively, and friends and family members who try to encourage them are perceived as being ‘against them’.

We cannot deny the fact that being shy is something that is common to lots of us, however, for those influenced by social anxiety disorder, they are obsessed with the idea that everyone will be criticizing them, and singling them out for being different in some way. Their fears are so strong that it leads to the idea of staying away from all contact with groups of people when possible.

Teenagers who are socially challenged are always faced with the fear of doing something wrong and being harshly judged by other people. They are almost paralyzed with worrying about what other people’s reactions to them will be. Therefore, they remain silent and withdrawn so as to draw as little attention to themselves as they can.

Physical symptoms are very apparent in teenagers who have social anxiety disorder. They tend to have difficulty talking, sweat excessively, blush and tremble. As well as physical symptoms, there are behavioral symptoms too. The typical scenarios wherein they manifest social anxiety disorder are eating or drinking in the presence of other people, engaging in conversation with others, being in unfamiliar surroundings, and attending social events.

All such situations are seen by them as presenting opportunities where they may be laughed at or criticized. All teens may fear being criticized or laughed at occasionally, as this is part of the normal process of growing up, but for suffering from social anxiety disorder, rather than this fear being occasional, it is with them all of the time.

When a teenager is suffering from social anxiety disorder, they are advised to seek the assistance of a mental health specialist as soon as possible, so that they can receive treatment for their phobia. In doing so, they can rid themselves of this debilitating condition. They will be able to get back to being a ‘normal’ teen and have a real chance of living a fulfilling life.

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