Social Anxiety In Teens

In a social setting, anxious teenagers may appear dependent, withdrawn or uneasy. They seem either overly restrained or overly emotional. Some teens are naturally more timid than others, as their bodies, voices, and emotions change during adolescence, they may feel even more self-conscious.

Despite initial feelings of uncertainty, most teens are able to join in if given time to observe and warm up. In extreme cases, called social phobia, the adolescent becomes very withdrawn, and though they want to take part in social activities, they are unable to overcome intense self-doubt and worry.

Gripped by excessive or unreasonable anxiety when faced with entering a new or unfamiliar social situation, the adolescent with social phobia becomes captive to unrelenting fears of other people's judgment or expectations. They may deal with their social discomfort by fretting about their health, appearance, or overall competence.

Alternatively, they may behave in a clowning or boisterous fashion or consume alcohol to deal with the anxiety.

If you notice your teenager is struggling socially, there is a chance they may be suffering from social anxiety disorder. Knowing the signs and symptoms of this mental health disorder is the first step in helping your teen get the necessary help.

  • Anxiety about being with other people (especially people they do not know)
  • Difficulty talking to and/or having “normal” conversations with others
  • Feeling uncomfortable or self-conscious around other people
  • Experiencing embarrassment while interacting with others
  • Fear of being embarrassed
  • Self-judgment and criticism after social interactions
  • Fear of being judged by others
  • Worry for days or weeks before a public event
  • Avoidance of public places and/or social situations
  • Difficulty making friends and maintaining relationships
  • Blushing, sweating, shaking, or rapid heart beat when in social situations
  • Stomach aches and nausea as a result of being around other people (other physical symptoms may include – confusion, diarrhea, muscle tension)

Every teen with social anxiety disorder will experience the same symptoms (or same severity). And while the symptoms can be quite significant and impair functioning in a variety of ways, social anxiety disorder is treatable.