What are the symptoms of social anxiety disorder? Mental health expert explains

A new voter is often proud and happy to have participated in the grand democratic process for the first time. Besides, the first vote is particularly special, as it declares a person an adult. It is also a reminder that a voter should be more responsible towards the society. Earlier, the voting age was 24, but now it is 18. Let's hear the story of 75-year-old Naniyamma, who has had the right to vote for the past 57 years. Naniyamma never went to the polling booth or cast her vote in all these years, for one seemingly simple reason - fear and social anxiety! 

Apparently, she always struggled to speak in front of people, and she hasn't even clicked a photo with any newlywed couple at weddings. She feels physically weak and terrified in case someone compels her to interact with people. So, Naniyamma has been staying inside the four walls of her house, not leaving or speaking to anyone, all these years. In the beginning, her family insisted that she meet people and speak to them, but slowly, they, too, ignored her. 

Naniyamma is excited to do anything when she is alone. But she doesn’t allow herself to go out due to an extreme fear of failure and of being judged by others. There are hundreds of people who struggle in their daily lives, unable to have a healthy social life due to anxiety. This condition, called social phobia or social anxiety disorder, may have been triggered by a bad and unpleasant previous experience. Those who suffer from social anxiety disorder may be mentally weak or extremely gentle-hearted. It’s been over a month since Naniyamma started seeing me. She has been showing amazing improvement with effective sessions and treatment. 

When she came to see me last time, she looked more confident and told me like a victor, “Doctor, I voted for the first time in my life.” The anxiety and stress that were accumulated within her have slowly started to disappear. Her words brimmed with confidence and hope. I, too, feel blessed to have played a part in bringing a significant change in someone’s life. So, her words “I voted” were in fact Naniyamma’s declaration of freedom. I have shared Naniyamma’s story to reassure people with social anxiety disorder. Modern medicine can surely cure this condition, and you shouldn’t hesitate to consult a psychologist or psychiatrist. Fear of being judged or of humiliating situations is the main symptom of this condition. 

Recognizing the symptoms
Constant fear that you may be judged while speaking in classrooms, meetings, talking to strangers, eating, writing, performing or even when someone looks at you. Extreme fear that you might embarrass yourself, being overly self-conscious, fear of getting insulted, tendency to avoid social interactions, racing heart, excessive sweating and blushing in social situations, feeling nauseated or having stomach aches while meeting people are some of the prominent symptoms of social anxiety disorder. 

Reasons
The reason for social phobia or social anxiety disorder could be genetic. Besides, having grown in a strict and controlling household, previous experiences where you have been insulted, lack of self-confidence and imbalance of chemicals in the brain are some of the reasons, among others.

When to seek help?
You should seek professional help if you experience low performance in studies or work, develop problems in your friendships or relationships, lack confidence, feel a constant urge to avoid social interactions, or if this low quality of life starts affecting your daily activities. The treatment would be effective only if you recognise these symptoms and seek help promptly.   
(The writer is a consultant psychiatrist at the Medical Trust Hospital.)