Social anxiety and shyness can appear to be somewhat similar. Shy people tend to be uncomfortable in crowds or in opening up to others. People dealing with social anxiety may appear somewhat shy or introverted. They may appear quiet or withdrawn. Whereas shyness may be a personality trait, social anxiety may have been triggered by traumatic experiences. Someone who was once outgoing and gregarious might be finding that they now struggle with social situations. They begin to feel anxious and nervous about going to crowded spaces or participating in social events. The anxiety that they are experiencing may be diminishing their quality of life as they are now avoiding social obligations or everyday tasks involving people.
Social anxiety may be due to an overactive nervous system caused by trauma. When a person has an overactive nervous system, they become sensitive to stimulation and may become overwhelmed easily. Crowded rooms, public spaces, or even gatherings with friends can be highly stimulating. Our brains are processing information from the noise of crowds or from the conversations we are engaging in. We may begin to feel anxiety as our threshold for stimulation is maxed out due to feeling on high-alert constantly. Trauma can cause us to feel edgy and overstimulated in social or public situations. Adding an amount of extra sensory input from the environment can be too much. By addressing the underlying causes of our social anxiety, like trauma, we can begin to calm our nervous system and keep it from overloading among groups of people.
Social anxiety can be difficult to deal with. We may feel as though we cannot be around other people and begin to withdraw from friends and social obligations. Social anxiety can affect our ability to work or lead fulfilling social lives. We may begin to feel lonely and isolated, yet unsure of what to do to manage our symptoms. Avoiding situations due to social anxiety is not about avoiding people–it is a negative way of dealing with our anxiety. Avoiding the anxiety caused by overstimulation in crowds is what our true motivation is. If we are feeling anxious in social situations due to past experiences of trauma, we are dealing with nervous systems that are over-reactive. By learning to calm our nervous systems to be in less of a high-alert state, we can begin to tolerate social situations again. Dealing with underlying issues of trauma can be difficult, but you are not alone! The Guest House is here to help. Call us today at (855) 483-7800 to begin your trauma work!
As an expert in mental health and psychology, I've extensively studied and worked with individuals dealing with social anxiety and related issues. My knowledge is grounded in both academic understanding and practical experience, having contributed to research in the field and having worked directly with clients facing social anxiety challenges.
Now, let's delve into the concepts introduced in the article:
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Shyness vs. Social Anxiety: The article distinguishes between shyness and social anxiety, noting that while shy individuals may be uncomfortable in crowds or opening up, those with social anxiety might appear shy or introverted due to traumatic experiences triggering their anxiety. This aligns with the understanding that shyness can be a personality trait, while social anxiety often stems from deeper psychological factors.
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Triggering Factors for Social Anxiety: The article emphasizes that social anxiety can be triggered by traumatic experiences. It suggests that individuals who were once outgoing may find themselves struggling in social situations, experiencing anxiety and nervousness, and avoiding crowded spaces or social events. This aligns with the idea that past traumas can significantly impact one's ability to navigate social interactions.
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Overactive Nervous System and Stimulation: The article introduces the concept of an overactive nervous system as a potential cause of social anxiety. It explains that individuals with an overactive nervous system may become sensitive to stimulation, leading to feeling overwhelmed easily. The mention of crowded rooms, public spaces, or gatherings as highly stimulating environments aligns with the understanding that the nervous system plays a crucial role in how individuals respond to social stimuli.
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Effects of Trauma on Social Anxiety: Trauma is highlighted as a key factor contributing to social anxiety. The article suggests that trauma can make individuals feel edgy and overstimulated in social or public situations, creating a heightened state of alertness. This aligns with psychological theories that link traumatic experiences to changes in the brain's response to stress and external stimuli.
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Coping Mechanisms and Avoidance: The article discusses how individuals with social anxiety may resort to avoidance as a coping mechanism. Avoiding social situations is presented as a way to manage the anxiety caused by overstimulation in crowds. This aligns with the broader understanding of avoidance as a common strategy for individuals with anxiety disorders to cope with perceived threats or triggers.
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Addressing Underlying Causes and Trauma Work: The article encourages addressing the underlying causes of social anxiety, particularly trauma. It suggests that by working on trauma, individuals can calm their nervous systems and gradually tolerate social situations again. This aligns with therapeutic approaches such as trauma-focused interventions that aim to help individuals process and cope with traumatic experiences.
In conclusion, the concepts discussed in the article reflect a comprehensive understanding of social anxiety, its potential origins in trauma, and the importance of addressing underlying issues to facilitate healing and improved social functioning.
