Everyone suffers from a little anxiety. Performing in front of a crowd, a job interview, and going on a date are all good reasons for feeling nervous. Having jitters before a big event is a normal–and human–reaction.
People who have social anxiety disorder (SAD) don’t just experience jitters, however. They experience paralyzing anxiety in social situations, such as eating with other people, going to parties, or even being around people. They may tremble, sweat, or have trouble talking, out of fear of doing something wrong.
Social anxiety disorder is often misunderstood because it is assumed the person is being shy. This myth couldn’t be further from the truth. Social anxiety disorder is a serious anxiety disorder that affects a person’s ability to work, communicate, or even function in the world–shyness is simply a human trait.
Three other myths about social anxiety disorder people believe are true also include:
Myth 1#: Being afraid of public speaking means you have social anxiety disorder.
Fact: Public speaking makes everyone feel nervous, but simply being afraid of it does not mean you have social anxiety disorder. People who have it experience paralyzing fear and anguish over simple social interactions, such as ordering food in a restaurant, greeting a stranger, or even using public restrooms.
Their fear impacts how they perform at work or how they maintain relationships, and public speaking is only one area where they are affected. It is a myth that SAD only affects a person’s ability to perform on-stage or give speeches—everyone has this fear, but it doesn’t inhibit their ability to have a fulfilling life.
Myth 2#: They’re just making it up.
Fact: Some believe SAD is an imagined disorder, but this myth couldn’t be further from the truth–even research proves this wrong. Researchers believe that serotonin, a brain chemical that controls emotions and mood, can increase SAD behavior because of the body’s sensitivity to it. This does not mean a significantly higher or lower serotonin level causes SAD. They are just sensitive to its effects.
Other research reported by the Mayo Clinic also shows that the amygdala, a type of almond-shaped nucleus located deep within the brain, is overactive in people with social anxiety disorder. This causes a heightened sense of fear, putting them at a higher risk for developing anxiety even from normal situations.
Researchers are also looking for genetic clues that cause SAD in families. They think a specific gene increases the risk for developing this mental condition, but other researchers believe it may be a learned behavior. Many children with SAD have parents with anxiety or socialization issues, and may learn how to interact with others from their parents.
SAD is a mental condition with uncontrollable circumstances, and it is a complete myth it can be imagined away–it cannot.
Myth #3: It isn’t a serious problem.
Fact: Having SAD is not the same as being shy, and long-term sufferers of this mental condition are also prone to developing other health conditions. It is a myth SAD is not dangerous or does not impact a person’s quality of life. Some of the health conditions they are more likely to develop include:
Those with social anxiety disorder are also at a higher risk for not having a job, dropping out of school early, or not being able to maintain relationships. Social anxiety disorder also occurs with other mental illnesses, including eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and avoidant personality disorder.
Knowledge is Key For Dispelling Myths
A final word. Social anxiety disorder is a vastly misunderstood disease with life-altering consequences. SAD is not shyness, not an imagined condition, and the person cannot simply grow out of it. Irregularities in the brain cause it, making it nearly impossible for people to control. Knowledge is the key for dispelling these myths.
Sources:
"Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia)", MayoClinic.com
