This is a persistent fear of being mocked, awkward, rejected.
A person with social anxiety usually anticipates failure in interpersonal situations.
Even if there are no objective reasons to be afraid, the brain already anticipates shame.
What is happening in the mind?
Research shows that such individuals have an overactive amygdala, which is responsible for fear.
They also have heightened self-monitoring and critical thinking about themselves — instead of interacting with the surrounding world and reading the real situation, they analyze every word and gesture.
Without intervention, social anxiety can lead to isolation, depression, avoidance of learning, work, relationships.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy technique: 'ABC model' helps to realize that the emotional reaction does not occur automatically — it is shaped by our interpretation of the event.
A — event: 'I have to speak in front of colleagues.'
B — thought: 'I will definitely look ridiculous, they will laugh.' (It starts to feel like chewing over and layering thoughts)
C — consequence: anxiety, desire to escape.
Task: question thought (B).
Ask yourself:
- What evidence is there 'for' and 'against' this opinion?
- Is this a fact or an assumption?
- How would I view the situation if I were an outside observer?
What about a more realistic thought?
'I may feel anxious, but I am prepared. Even if something goes wrong — it’s not a catastrophe.'