The Social Anxiety Club Episode 2: What Is Social Anxiety?
Feb 28, 2025
Dive into the complex world of social anxiety and discover it's not just clinical definitions. Claire and Ed tackle the stigma associated with the condition, sharing personal stories that highlight its real-life impact. They explore fear-based symptoms through relatable examples, like supermarket trips, and discuss the fine line between normal nerves and a serious disorder. With insights on coping, identity rebuilding, and the importance of community, this discussion encourages listeners to face their fears and connect authentically.
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Clinical Jargon Alienates Sufferers
- Clinical definitions of social anxiety often feel alien and unhelpful to lived experience.
- Claire Eastham says jargon like "cognitive distortion" can make sufferers feel confused and alienated.
Supermarket Avoidance And Timed Shopping
- Ed Barton describes freezing in a Tesco car park and avoiding entering the store.
- He timed shopping late at night to avoid people when living abroad.
When Anxiety Becomes A Disorder
- Normal nerves differ from disorder when anxiety reshapes your life and choices.
- Ed Barton says the disorder shows when avoidance behaviours and rationalisations narrow your world.