Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is more than simply feeling shy or awkward. It is a persistent and overwhelming fear of being judged, criticised, or rejected by others. This fear can lead to intense distress, avoidance, and heightened self-consciousness in everyday situations. Whether it’s speaking up in a meeting, attending a social gathering, using video calls, or even sending a message, social anxiety can create the sense of being constantly “on show” and vulnerable to embarrassment or scrutiny.
It often begins in adolescence and can persist into adulthood, significantly impacting relationships, work, academic performance, and overall wellbeing. It is extremely difficult to maintain robust self-esteem while living with social anxiety. In fact, because of its pervasive effects, it’s common for people to also experience low mood, depression, or even panic attacks.
Many clients I have worked with have lived with social anxiety for years, often masking their fears or simply surviving the intense threat responses and self-criticism that accompany the condition. The roots of social anxiety often lie in childhood or adolescence. In psychology, we sometimes refer to these early influences as “ghosts from the past.” The beliefs, impressions, and coping strategies you developed back then were often designed to protect you in challenging situations, but they may no longer serve you in the present.
