What is the difference between anxiety and social anxiety?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is excessive worrying, whereas social anxiety only occurs in or is triggered by having to perform in social situations (i.e. eating, talking, etc. in front of others).
Social anxiety is more than shyness. It's a fear that does not go away and affects everyday activities, self confidence, relationships and work or school life. Many people occasionally worry about social situations, but someone with social anxiety feels overly worried before, during and after them.
Occasional anxiety is a normal part of life. Many people worry about things such as health, money, or family problems. But anxiety disorders involve more than temporary worry or fear. For people with an anxiety disorder, the anxiety does not go away and can get worse over time.
Is It Possible to Have Both Mental Health Disorders? Although it is less common, it is possible to be diagnosed with both panic disorder and social anxiety. Those with especially high levels of social anxiety are likely candidates for a dual diagnosis.
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse.
- Bullying or teasing by peers.
- Family conflicts, domestic violence, and divorce.
- Death of or desertion by a parent.
- Maternal stress during pregnancy or infancy.
Social anxiety disorder — sometimes known as social phobia — is a type of anxiety disorder that causes anxiety or fear in social settings. Someone with this disorder has trouble talking with people, meeting new people, and attending social gatherings.
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.
People with social anxiety are often very concerned about visible signs of anxiety, such as blushing or trembling. Examples: racing heart, upset stomach, shaking, choking sensations, sweating, blushing, trembling, dry mouth, shortness of breath, nausea, dizziness, lightheadedness, blurred vision, urge to urinate, etc.
You can say things like: "Anxiety makes me feel nervous, on edge, and constantly overwhelmed." "Since I started experiencing anxiety, it's been difficult to do things like socializing or go to work." "Sometimes my anxiety is so intense that it keeps me from leaving the house.
- your worrying is uncontrollable and causes distress.
- your worrying affects your daily life, including school, your job and your social life.
- you cannot let go of your worries.
- you worry about all sorts of things, such as your job or health, and minor concerns, such as household chores.
What are the two main types of anxiety?
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder. ...
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) ...
- Panic Disorder. ...
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) ...
- Social Phobia (or Social Anxiety Disorder)
- Feeling nervous, restless or tense.
- Having a sense of impending danger, panic or doom.
- Having an increased heart rate.
- Breathing rapidly (hyperventilation)
- Sweating.
- Trembling.
- Feeling weak or tired.
- Trouble concentrating or thinking about anything other than the present worry.
- Dread meeting new people.
- Experience fear or stress in many social situations, including dates and job interviews.
- Be afraid to do things in front of other people, including eating, drinking, or even speaking up in class.
- Believe you're always being judged.
Social Signs
One of the main signs of social anxiety is avoiding social situations. Someone with this disorder may avoid or find difficulty being in the following situations: Interacting with new people. Going to social gatherings.
Although the symptoms of both are very similar, the main difference between shyness and social anxiety are: intensity of the fear and anxiety. impairment of functioning. level of avoidance.
References
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561
- https://www.alliedpsychiatry.com/blog/how-to-tell-if-you-have-a-social-anxiety-disorder
- https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/anxiety/symptoms-causes/syc-20350961
- https://www.smokeypointbehavioralhospital.com/anxiety-disorder-awareness-can-you-have-panic-attacks-and-social-anxiety/
- https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/signs-social-anxiety
- https://overcomewithus.com/anxiety/how-to-explain-anxiety-to-someone-who-doesn-t-have-it
- https://www.hhs.gov/answers/mental-health-and-substance-abuse/what-are-the-five-major-types-of-anxiety-disorders/index.html
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders
- https://www.healthline.com/health/anxiety/social-phobia
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/feelings-symptoms-behaviours/feelings-and-symptoms/anxiety-disorder-signs/
- https://www.mindmypeelings.com/blog/introvert-shy-social-anxiety
- https://www.bridgestorecovery.com/social-anxiety/causes-social-anxiety/
- https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/social-anxiety/
- https://patients.amwell.com/faq/what-is-the-difference-between-gad-and-social-anxiety/
- https://www.anxietycanada.com/disorders/social-anxiety-in-adults/