Understanding Social Anxiety in Teens

Social anxiety is more than just shyness. It’s an intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. For a teen, this fear can be crippling, affecting everything from speaking up in class to eating lunch in the cafeteria or joining a sports team.

A teen with social anxiety might worry for days or weeks before a social event. They are often terrified of embarrassing themselves, saying the wrong thing, or being disliked.

Common Signs of Social Anxiety in Teens

• Fear of Social Situations: Actively avoiding places where they have to interact with people, like school events, parties, or even ordering food.
• Physical Symptoms: Blushing, sweating, trembling, or feeling sick to their stomach when in social settings.
• Difficulty Making Friends: Struggling to initiate conversations or form close relationships with peers.
• Negative Self-Talk: Being overly critical of their own social performance after an event.

The Impact of Social Anxiety

Social anxiety can make a teenager’s world feel very small. They might want to connect with others, but the fear is too overwhelming. This can lead to:

• Academic underperformance due to fear of class participation
• Missed opportunities for friendships and relationships
• Low self-esteem and feelings of isolation
• Increased risk of depression
• Avoidance of important life experiences

Treatment That Works

The good news is that social anxiety is highly treatable. With the right support, teens can learn to manage their anxiety and build the confidence they need to thrive socially.