Social Anxiety during the Pandemic
The impacts of the pandemic and extended lockdowns over the last few years can be particularly hard for people who already experience issues with social anxiety and lack of self-confidence. Periods of long-standing social isolation may initially provide relief for someone with social anxiety, however when pandemic restrictions subside, re-integration into everyday life again can be very challenging and overwhelming. People may have lost practice with socializing, been exposed to more stress triggers, lost connections or become stuck in their own negative inner self-talk.
Do you relate to any of these signs of Social Anxiety over the last 6 months or more?
Intense self-consciousness and discomfit in crowded public spaces
Overwhelming fear of judgement during job interviews
Crippling anxiety during public speaking
Discomfort with dating due to insecurities
Social interactions triggering distress
There is a strong inner self-critic in social situations. For example, “I am not good enough”, “I am useless”, “I don’t fit in anywhere”, “Nobody likes me”, “I can’t relate to anyone”, “No one gets me”.
Fear of being judged, criticised or humiliated by people who have not yet done this
Fear of rejection if you show your authentic self
Tendency to avoid social interactions to the point of social avoidance
Your social anxiety is getting in the way of fulfilling your job role or study course
If you relate to many of these signs, you may benefit from psychological understanding and support.
What causes Social Anxiety?
Nobody wakes up choosing to have social anxiety. Some people may be born with a temperament that is naturally sensitive or anxious. Some people may have a history of anxiety in their family and have a genetic pre-disposition. There may be role-modelling from anxious parents or siblings. Some people may have experienced an interpersonal trauma that effected their sense of safety and security in the world. Others may have experienced painful bullying, criticism or rejection that still haunts them. Perhaps the pandemic has created a general sense of not feeling safe to socialise. When painful life experiences occur, sometimes people try to make sense of them at a time when they are highly emotional, and negative self-talk can be created and then maintain the problem. For instance, people may internalise the voice of the bully and assume they are correct, or people might have had a negative social experience and assume all people will treat them this way.
How can I overcome my Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety doesn’t have to be a permanent problem. With the willingness to self-reflect and the right support, you can learn ways to recover and feel more secure in yourself and lead a good quality social life. Cognitive-behavioural therapy and Compassion-focused therapies are evidence-based treatments for Social Anxiety. You can learn to identify triggers, how to ground yourself, set healthy boundaries with people who are unhealthy, challenge unhelpful social insecurities, explore your strengths and values in your social life and take healthy social risks.
If you are interested in learning more and receiving support, please contact Tim Bonaldi on the Contact page.
Written by Tim Bonaldi.