7 Signs It's Social Anxiety, Not Shyness

People usually misconstrue shyness and social anxiety. Shyness is the initial awkwardness the precedes forced small talk with people you have never met, like at a party or a new job. Social anxiety is the pervasive intense fear of being judged, humiliated, rejected, or embarrassed in a social setting that leads to anxiety or avoidance. What to learn more about the difference between shyness vs social anxiety? Watch along.

Disclaimer. As always, this video is meant to be informative and should not be used as a rubric for diagnosis. If you have any personal questions or concerns regarding this topic, please consult a licensed professional.

Writer: Sara Del Villar
Script Editor: Rida Batool
Script Manager: Kelly Soong
VO: Amanda Silvera
Animator: Naphia
YouTube Manager: Cindy Cheong

References:

Beyond Blue. “Shyness and Social Anxiety – What’s the Difference?” Anxiety, Depression, and Suicide Prevention Support – Beyond Blue, 2020, www.beyondblue.org.au/personal-best/pillar/in-focus/shyness-and-social-anxiety-what-s-the-difference.

Cuncic, Arlin, and Amy Morin. “The Surprising Similarities Between Shyness and Social Anxiety.” Verywell Mind, 22 July 2020, www.verywellmind.com/difference-between-shyness-and-social-anxiety-disorder-3024431.

Cuncic, Arlin, and Amy Morin. “3 Coping Strategies That Actually Make Social Anxiety Worse.” Verywell Mind, 28 May 2020, www.verywellmind.com/what-are-avoidance-behaviors-3024312.

Dittmann, Melissa. “Stemming Social Phobia.” Monitor on Psychology, American Psychological Association, July 2005, www.apa.org/monitor/julaug05/stemming.

MayoClinic. “Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia).” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 29 Aug. 2017, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20353561.

NIMH. “Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness.” National Institute of Mental Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2020, www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml.

Parekh, Ranna. What Are Anxiety Disorders?, American Psychiatric Association, Jan. 2017, www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/anxiety-disorders/what-are-anxiety-disorders.