Common Types and Causes of Social Anxiety in Students
The patient might fear being embarrassed or rejected in social situations, even if no face-to-face contact is involved. In fact, virtual interactions can be some of the greatest triggers for social anxiety.
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7 Tips for Living With Social Anxiety Control Your Breathing. Try Exercise or Progressive Muscle Relaxation. Take the Focus Off Yourself. Talk Back to Negative Thoughts. Use Your Senses.
In high school and beyond, students are typically more self-focused and may have harsh negative thoughts about themselves. They may be more likely to mumble or avoid eye contact. These older students often struggle with academics as they are unable to participate fully in class or to engage in group and oral projects.
Sometimes it’s not even an option at all. Desensitization is a tactic many cognitive therapists have used with strong results. Teens with social anxiety learn coping tools by being exposed to difficult, triggering situations. Through repetition, with patience, the impact these triggers have can be greatly reduced.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most commonly used approach to treating social anxiety disorder (and anxiety disorders overall). Cognitive behavioral therapy is typically short-term and goal-oriented.
Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers. Fear that others will notice that you look anxious. Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling or having a shaky voice. Avoidance of doing things or speaking to people out of fear of embarrassment.
Social anxiety disorder is an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. This fear can affect work, school, and other daily activities. It can even make it hard to make and keep friends. The good news is social anxiety disorder is treatable.
What Not to Say to Someone With Social Anxiety Why Are You so Quiet? You Just Need to Think Positive. You Just Need to Face Your Fears. I Know How You Feel; I’m Shy, Too. Why Don’t You Have a Drink to Loosen Up? Let Me Order for You. Wow, Your Face Just Turned Really Red.
Send a short email saying, “Hi Professor, I’m in your Math 200 class this term and I just wanted to let you know that I have been struggling with my mental health lately. This may cause me to miss 1 or 2 classes or be late on some assignments. Try not to sound like you are asking for special treatment.
How to Help a Student With Social Anxiety Disorder Promote self-esteem by offering praise for small accomplishments and rewarding participation, even if the student gives a wrong answer. Speak softly and calmly to the student. Help the student confront feared situations with gentle encouragement.