USING SOCIAL ANXIETY FOR SELF - GROWTH - A PERSONAL EXPERIENCE : MindsetOpediaDMHC Blogs

When it comes to understanding social behaviour, the world largely divides people into extroverts and introverts. Broadly, extroverts derive their energy amongst other people while introverts reenergize themselves in solitude. However, a conventional myth around such social behaviour is related to how people behave in social situations. Here enters the term social anxiety, which is defined as a fear of getting involved in social interactions. Largely, social anxiety is interrelated with introversion to the saying that introverts experience more social anxiety due to their lack of engagement with social crowds. Nevertheless, research in the area of studying social anxiety indicate that it is a common phenomenon amongst both introverts as well as extroverts.

Yet the question remains that why do people refrain from discussing social anxiety as a common trait? The answer lies in mental health research that social anxiety can be chronic as well, where individuals suffering from it may devise irrational fears, anxieties, thoughts of humiliation when involved in social interactions. Such chronic state may drive an individual to confine themselves from the outside world. Still, mild social anxiety is also a common phenomenon. My personal experience accounts for many situations in which I have felt social anxiety while entering new social interactions. But the most significant part of this process is how I used social anxiety for my personal growth. Even though I experienced thoughts of embarrassment, self-consciousness or fear of being judged in social interactions, I found myself gaining a novel perspective of how the world works. Primarily, I understood that everybody faces social anxiety and each person uniqueness leads them to behave differently in the social world. Thus, the factor of being right or wrong or even being frowned upon seems irrational. Moreover, I experienced less social anxiety when I was around people with whom I shared interests, hobbies or discussions. Hence, another way to reduce social anxiety is to choose your company. Lastly, therapy is a much helpful alternative if you experience regular episodes of social anxiety, even amongst family members.

Therefore, next time you enter a social interaction, remember that you are unique and you will attract the right people into your lives with whom social anxiety would not be an issue!

By,

Archie Kohli

Council Member

WICCI – DMHC