Understanding Social Anxiety

Social anxiety is a common experience in our 20s. We often worry about what others think of us, fear embarrassment, and overanalyze our interactions and past mistakes. This anxiety stems from our brain's innate desire for acceptance and belonging, as historically our survival depended on being part of a tribe. However, occasional social anxiety is normal, whereas a diagnosable social anxiety disorder is more severe and impacts about 6-10% of people globally. Social anxiety can manifest in various situations, such as making new friends, dating, job interviews, or public speaking. It causes fear of being judged, humiliated, or rejected, leading to avoidance behaviors. However, this avoidance only reinforces the anxiety and prevents meaningful connections. It's important to recognize that people are generally not judging us as harshly as we judge ourselves, and their opinions do not define our worth.