Social anxiety disorder is more than just a temporary feeling of shyness.It is a mental illness that disrupts the normal rhythm of life and makes daily tasks and responsibilities impossible.
“When a person has social anxiety, they experience severe social anxiety that inhibits their pursuit of life goals, preventing them from forming relationships, pursuing careers, or academically, becoming confident, or appearing in public.” National Center for Social Anxiety.
People with social anxiety disorder often suffer in silence, with their behavioral and emotional symptoms not obvious to friends and family.As the number of young people suffering from social anxiety disorder continues to rise, mental health experts are trying to help dispel the notion that social anxiety disorder, like shyness, is easily overcome.
Here are some numbers to help you understand the full scope of social anxiety disorder ― the number of American adults diagnosed, the number of symptoms and more.
15 million
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that nearly 15 million American adults suffer from social anxiety disorder.Social anxiety disorder is the second most common anxiety disorder in the United States.
13 years old
Social anxiety disorder can appear at any age, but symptoms of the mental illness usually begin during adolescence, around age 13.Cohen noted that this period of life, especially when teens and young adults are preparing for high school or college, is a vulnerable transition.
10 years
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America estimates that more than one-third of people with social anxiety wait 10 years or more before talking to a doctor about their symptoms.”People with social anxiety know they need help, but they may not know that help is available,” says Cohen.
Many times, people with social anxiety disorder believe that their mental illness is a personality trait, which leads them to confuse social anxiety with shyness or introversion.”They may be aware that they have these experiences and are naturally introverted, but they may not realize that help is available,” he said.
9 physical symptoms
According to the Mayo Clinic, there are nine physical symptoms of social anxiety.While symptoms vary from person to person, the Mayo Clinic classifies symptoms as “flushing, rapid heartbeat, shaking, sweating, upset stomach or nausea, trouble breathing, dizziness and lightheadedness, feeling like your mind is going blank, and muscle atrophy.”Nervous” to social anxiety disorder.
11 other symptoms
In addition to the physical symptoms of social anxiety, the Mayo Clinic reports that the disorder may be accompanied by 11 emotional and behavioral symptoms.Cohen said many of the symptoms hinge on a fear of being judged by others.Emotional effects can vary in intensity, but are typically persistent feelings of worry that one may be judged, avoidance of activities or social situations due to fear of embarrassment, and feelings that one will fail in social situations.Other symptoms include feelings of anxiety before participating in activities, ongoing anxiety when going out in public, and worries that others may notice that you are blushing, sweating, or acting nervous.
66 percent
It’s estimated that about 66 percent of people diagnosed with social anxiety disorder also have other forms of mental health problems, Cohen said.Depression is the most common mental illness associated with social anxiety, other anxiety disorders, and possibly substance abuse.
5 months
A diagnosis of social anxiety disorder does not mean you will continue to struggle with this mental illness for the rest of your life.Cohen estimates that with appropriate treatment and following your therapist or doctor’s instructions, you can typically begin to see improvements in symptoms in as little as five months.
3 resources
For those seeking professional treatment or more information about social anxiety, Cohen recommends three organizations in the United States.For those looking for a therapist, the Academy of Cognitive Therapy is a great place to start, the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy has more information about therapists and the various symptoms of possible mental illness, and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America Provides facts about: mental illness, ways to manage symptoms, and more.
