Is Social Anxiety Normal?
A few years ago I was interviewed for a podcast, which was also being video recorded to go on Youtube. As my first experience in front of a camera I was a nervous wreck. Being the center of attention never appealed to me. I made it through the interview, but can’t say that it was my most articulate moment. Fortunately since then I’ve had more practice on camera and am more comfortable with it.
Why is it that public speaking is so challenging for so many people?
It’s because of social anxiety. We fear what people will think of us.
Some Social Anxiety Is Typical
Did you know that everyone has some social anxiety? It’s true.
Humans are genetically and biologically wired to want to socialize with other people and to care what they think. You may meet some people who don’t seem to care what people think, but they most likely care more than you realize.
Why Would We Need to Have Social Anxiety?
It is believed that we have evolved this way for several reasons: there is safety in numbers against predators, and by living in groups we can work together to raise children and to acquire and share resources.
Our current western lifestyle may not take advantage of our social group as it had in the past, but our biology has not kept up with cultural changes, so the need to connect is still very present.
Interesting Science
Genetic studies of people diagnosed with Williams Syndrome, a condition in which people are much more social than the general population, and also more prone to general anxiety, have led to interesting advancements in our understanding of the role of genes in social anxiety.
People with Williams Syndrome have a microdeletion on one of their genes; this gene has been linked to social interaction and amygdala activity, the area of the brain involved in fear responses. Because of this, people with Williams Syndrome do not have the same social fears that most other people have. These studies confirm the biological nature of both the need to connect socially, and that genetics can play a role in anxiety.
When is Social Anxiety Not Normal?
Social anxiety can be a problem for children when it interferes with routines and relationships.
Some things to consider:
- Do children have difficulty forming friendships?
- Do their grades suffer because they are expected to present their work to the class?
- Do they have difficulty speaking to authority figures to ask questions or ask for basic needs?
- Do they withdraw from social situations?
- Do they avoid going to school?
These are simplified questions, but should be explored further to determine if professional intervention is needed. It’s important to know that anxiety rarely improves on its own, so early intervention is best when possible.
Looking for ways to support children who have social anxiety? Check out this blog.
