How Does Social Anxiety Affect Your Life?
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety isn’t just feeling a bit shy or nervous in certain situations—it’s a deep fear of being judged, embarrassed, or scrutinised in social settings. It can make everyday things, like chatting with a shop assistant or speaking on the phone, feel overwhelming. It’s not just about being introverted; it’s about feeling intense fear or discomfort that can stop you from living your life as you want.
What Does Social Anxiety Feel Like?
Social anxiety shows up differently for everyone, but some common signs include:
Worrying excessively about upcoming social events
Avoiding situations where you might have to talk to people
Feeling self-conscious or like others are judging you
Overthinking conversations long after they’ve happened
Feeling physical symptoms like blushing, sweating, feeling sick or a racing heart
How Social Anxiety Affects Your Daily Life
If you struggle with social anxiety, you might find yourself avoiding things that others take for granted, like:
Making phone calls
Speaking up in meetings or class
Attending social gatherings
Ordering food at a restaurant
Going to the gym
Even something as simple as making eye contact
It can affect work, relationships, and even your mental and physical well-being. The more you avoid situations, the more the fear grows, making it even harder to break free from the cycle.
Where Does Social Anxiety Come From?
Social anxiety doesn’t have one single cause—it’s often a mix of factors, including:
Genetics – It can run in families, though it’s not always inherited.
Brain structure – An overactive amygdala (the part of the brain that processes fear) can make social situations feel more threatening.
Life experiences – Things like bullying, harsh criticism, or overprotective parenting can contribute to developing social anxiety.
Can Social Anxiety Be Cured?
While there’s no magic cure, social anxiety can absolutely be managed. Many people learn ways to cope, build confidence, and feel more comfortable in social situations through therapy, self-help techniques, and sometimes medication. Over time, with the right support, social anxiety can become much less of a barrier to living the life that you want and deserve.
What To Do When Social Anxiety Takes Over Your Life:
If social anxiety is stopping you from doing things that matter to you, then you may want to take steps towards managing it.
Start small – Challenge yourself with little steps, like making eye contact or saying hello to someone.
Challenge negative thoughts – Notice when you’re assuming the worst and question whether it’s really true. (This is my favourite step, and is something I use myself).
Focus on the present – Anxiety often comes from worrying about things that haven’t even happened yet.
Seek support – Therapy can be a game-changer when it comes to overcoming social anxiety.
When Does Social Anxiety Develop?
Social anxiety often starts in the teenage years but can begin earlier or later. Big life changes, like starting a new job or moving to a new place, can trigger symptoms even in adulthood.
How Effective Is Therapy for Social Anxiety?
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to manage social anxiety. It helps you understand your fears, develop coping strategies, and build confidence in social situations.
What Kind of Therapy Is Best?
Person-centred therapy is a great approach for social anxiety because it’s all about creating a safe, judgment-free space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace. Instead of being told what to do, you’re supported in finding your own way forward. Person-centred therapy focuses on the individual rather than the symptoms, in an empathetic, honest environment where clients can learn to identify their triggers, challenge unhelpful beliefs, and develop coping techniques to manage their social anxiety. Person-centred therapy can also help with building your self-esteem and your self-awareness.
How Long Does Therapy Take to Help Social Anxiety?
There’s no set timeline—some people feel a difference in a few sessions, while others might take longer. It depends on your journey, but the key is consistency and finding a therapist you feel comfortable with.
How to Get Therapy
If you’re ready to explore therapy for social anxiety, you can start by reaching out to a professional who offers a warm and supportive approach, like Holly Ibbs (me). I provide online person-centred therapy in the UK and Portugal, making it easy to get help from the comfort of your own space.
FAQs About Therapy for Social Anxiety
How does therapy help with social anxiety?
Therapy helps you understand your anxiety, challenge unhelpful thoughts, and develop practical coping strategies. It provides a safe space to build confidence and practice new ways of handling social situations.
What type of therapy does Holly Ibbs offer for social anxiety?
I offer person-centred therapy, a supportive and non-judgmental approach where you are in control of your progress, and the focus is on your unique experiences and needs.
How do I book a session with Holly Ibbs?
You can book a 15-minute phone call easily through HollyIbbs.com, where we can see if we are a good fit, you’ll also find out more details about online therapy and how it works.
Is online therapy effective for social anxiety?
Absolutely! Online therapy allows you to receive support from a familiar and comfortable environment, which can be particularly helpful if in-person sessions feel overwhelming.
How long does person-centred therapy take to work?
It depends on the individual, but many people start to feel a difference after a few sessions. The pace is set by you, therefore no pressure to rush the process.
If social anxiety has been holding you back, therapy can help you take steps towards a more confident and fulfilling life. You don’t have to face it alone.