Anxiety is something that affects people all over the world, transcending cultures and backgrounds. Within this umbrella term exist a variety of anxiety disorders, one of which is social anxiety.
This subtype of anxiety is often misunderstood as mere shyness or introversion in social settings. Social anxiety, however, is much more than having nerves before giving a presentation or going to a party. It is a constant fear of being judged by others or rejected in a social situation.
The key to regaining confidence in social settings and managing the symptoms of social anxiety lies in understanding its triggers. So what causes social anxiety?
Family History and Genetics
One major potential contributor to social anxiety can be found in your genetic makeup. Having a family history of anxiety disorders places you at a higher risk of developing one yourself.
There isn’t a specific gene linked to the development of anxiety, but researchers have found there is a link between the likelihood of family members struggling with social anxiety. Growing up around someone who is struggling can also influence your own responses to stress and social stimuli.
Environmental Influences
Aside from family influence, other environmental factors can play a role in your interactions with the world around you. Being bullied or rejected during your childhood can cause internalized feelings of inadequacy and lead to social anxiety, for example. Growing up in a household where you’re highly criticized or struggle to find the emotional support you need can also lead to this disorder.
Similarly, if you experienced some form of trauma during your more formative years, you may be left with a deep emotional scar. Traumatic events can be enough to cause heightened anxiety in social situations. Being around people or in social situations can start to feel threatening and induce fear.
Biological Factors
Specific neurotransmitters in the brain, such as serotonin and dopamine, help regulate your mood and behaviors. When these or other functions of the brain become imbalanced, social anxiety can appear or intensify.
There’s also the possibility of areas of your brain contributing to the onset of anxiety. Your amygdala is the part of the brain that helps you process fear. When overactive, it can make you perceive everyday stimuli as something to be feared.
Personality Traits
Your personality traits can also influence your chances of developing social anxiety. If you are naturally self-conscious or introverted, social situations can feel overwhelming. If you are a perfectionist, you may be fueled by an underlying fear of judgment or rejection. Combining any of these traits with one of the other risk factors on the list can increase your chances of developing social anxiety.
Cultural and Societal Pressures
Strict cultural norms and ever-changing social expectations can sway existing anxious thoughts and feelings. There’s high pressure to perform, whether academically, athletically, or professionally.
You may struggle with pressure to look a certain way or maintain a perfect social media presence. The slightest little blip can leave you feeling like you’re under constant scrutiny and falling short of some imaginary standard. Even just using social media can contribute to negatively charged feelings of inadequacy, comparison, and vulnerability.
Culturally speaking, there are many attitudes toward mental health and how it’s dealt with. This can heavily influence how you prioritize and cope with any symptoms you’re having.
Exploring Professional Help
The causes of social anxiety can be complex, sometimes stemming from multiple sources. No matter what is causing your social anxiety, there are steps you can take to overcome this hurdle.
Anxiety therapy can help you explore the root cause of your anxiety and then determine the best route for managing your symptoms and restoring your quality of life. Help is just one call away.
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