Social anxiety is a common and troubling challenge among most people, especially single members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. It is often a misunderstood, frustrating issue. Therefore, the purpose of this article is to give a brief introduction to the disorder, as well as offer some ideas and suggestions to help you lessen and control this problem. Social Anxiety can be defined as follows:
The defining feature of social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is intense anxiety or fear of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in a social or performance situation. People with social anxiety disorder may worry about acting or appearing visibly anxious (e.g., blushing, stumbling over words), or being viewed as stupid, awkward, or boring. As a result, they often avoid social or performance situations, and when a situation cannot be avoided, they experience significant anxiety and distress. Many people with social anxiety disorder also experience strong physical symptoms, such as a rapid heart rate, nausea, and sweating, and may experience full-blown attacks when confronting a feared situation. Although they recognize that their fear is excessive and unreasonable, people with social anxiety disorder often feel powerless against their anxiety. (Source)
The origins of social anxiety can come from several possible sources. Some people have grown up with a parent or other family members who have role modeled social anxiety. Others may have inherited a more nervous physiology, a lack of social experience and/or negative past social experiences. However social anxiety originated for a particular person, this challenge interrupts and limits social opportunities and success. Therefore, social anxiety needs to be managed and lessened for dating and relationship success.
Suggestions to Manage and Lessen Social Anxiety:
1) Realize anxiety is natural.
Everyone has anxiety. It is a natural response to a perceived threat of danger. A certain amount of anxiety helps us prepare or protect against problems. Some anxiety also helps keep us alert, sharp, and taking things seriously enough to handle them well. With one’s social life especially, a certain level of concern helps us present the best side of ourselves to others. Anxiety only becomes a problem needing lessening and better management when it is excessive and extreme enough to interfere with your life functioning, especially with dating and relationships in particular. Social anxiety can also interfere with relationships at work, church, school, or anywhere you need to deal with and interact with others.
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