Social Anxiety vs. Shyness - Research Paper Example

?Social Anxiety vs. Shyness Introduction Social Anxiety and Shyness are things that both affect an individual. They may differ according to the levelof effects that each might cause to the entire system of humans body. Social Anxiety or also known as social phobia is common to individuals who do not actually mingle to other individual or group of individuals--community. It mainly affects one’s emotional and mental health. Shyness is another term for timidity, like social anxiety it pertains to human circumstances. This paper seeks to investigate and establish facts as to the differences between social anxiety and shyness. Further, it aims to prove the validity of the hypothesis presented. 1.1 Statement of the Problem The researcher would like to resolve the issue regarding social anxiety, if it is just the same with shyness, or not; the factors that differentiate the two terms, and symptoms of social anxiety. 1.2 Scope of the problem The researcher limits the investigation to the facts from the sources being gathered and used, such that the facts will explain and provide necessary information to build the expected hypothesis. 1.3 Hypothesis Social Anxiety and shyness are two distinct, though may have common characteristics. Both affect the personality of an individual, and either two may cause worse effect. Social Anxiety and Shyness Compared Social Anxiety disorder means ‘intense’ fear of certain social situations. A person situated especially in the situations which are unfamiliar to him or her would think that he or she is noticed by everybody around (“Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia”). The fear of being examined closely, judged, or embarrassed in public are characteristics of Social Anxiety disorder. An individual who has this disorder might be feeling afraid when he is in the public. He is afraid that people would think negative about him--one of the frightening situations that an affected person would get so anxious and uncomfortable; he has intense, persistent, and chronic fear of being judged by others. In addition, persons with social phobia usually do not allow themselves to be in the place wherein there are many people gathered, such as party and other social gathering-- a condition known as generalized social anxiety disorder. On the other side, specific social anxiety makes an individual so afraid about being tasked to speak or talk in front of many people such as in classroom, and with peers--the fear exist only when that person speaks before group of persons (Richards). However, shyness is not totally the same with social phobia. According to Rudolf Hoehn-Saric, head of the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at Johns Hopkins University of Medicine, this is somehow characterized by feelings like being uncomfortable particularly in situations such as party, but the person does not stay afraid or uncomfortable in the long time (qtd. in Shaw). He is able to manage himself despite of his shyness, and starts to mingle and talk to them--relaxed and alright. When a person is shy it does not mean that he has social phobia. Shyness is quite normal, while social anxiety is worst. Signs and Symptoms of Social Anxiety Order Emotional distress is often what the person affected would undergo. He is anxious, self-conscious, and afraid. When he goes out and meet a situation like mentioned earlier, symptoms (either psychological or physical) will show: the person experiences extreme fear of being look and sometimes, of being judged by others around him--especially those he does not know; before a particular event or social gathering comes, he feels so worried; self-consciousness and anxiety overpower the person with disorder in social situations; fear of being embarrassed or humiliated. In addition, physical symptoms include: heart-pounding or the person might feel tightening of chest; the voice shakes; abnormal breathing; sweating and nausea; mouth dries and face blushes; hands are clammy and there is muscle tension; shaking and twitching (“Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia”). For example, Peter (real name withheld) was a businessman--so smart and diligent to his work. Later on, he got promoted, and climbed up to another challenging position. Instead of accepting the offer, he refused. It is because the new position would bring him to fear--of being the center of attention, and it will require him to hold meetings. This made Peter panic like he was sweating and heart throbbing. Another, a woman in the grocery store feared to fall in line, and pay for the items. She thought that all people around are looking at her; When she’s near the clerk, her heart begins to beat faster, and trembled. Her mouth was dry, and she trembled (Ciraolo). Conclusion Shyness and Social Anxiety are different to each other. Frequently, a person with social phobia could not sustain longer hours of being in social events. However, when a person is just shy, symptoms are not entirely the same with social anxiety. He may be afraid at first, but the fear will then disappear, as he learns to connect to the society unlike a person with social anxiety disorder. However, if he is not treated, he would miss great opportunities (e.g. meeting new friends, landing a better job, and happiness in social gatherings). Recommendation Those who suffer such kind of disorder are not hopeless, or would not be treated. They should seek for medications. There are medications they could use for relief. However, there are many kinds of medications, but cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT has been considered the best and works even faster. CBT suggests that what a person thinks affects how he or she feels--ultimately affects the behavior. CBT is a therapy that involves: controlling the physical symptoms of anxiety through relaxation and breathing exercises; avoiding negative thoughts that creates social anxiety; replace them with helpful insights; and finally overcoming and facing situations gradually and systematically (Pucci). Since over breathing throws off balance of oxygen and carbon dioxide in the body, it is better for persons with social phobia to practice breathing exercises to normalize the body, and avoid anxiety and fear (“Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia”). References Ciraolo, Emily. “Social Anxiety vs. Shyness.” Quality Health.com. Quality Health, 5 Nov. 2007. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Pucci, Aldo. “Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.” NACBT Online Headquarters. NACBT Online Headquarters, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Richards, Thomas A. “What is Social Anxiety?” Social Anxiety Institute. Social Anxiety Institute, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . Shaw, Gina. “Just Shy or Social Society Disorder.” Medicine.Net.com. Web MD, 31 Jan. 2005. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. . “Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia: Symptoms, Self-Help, and Treatment.” Help Guide.org. Help Guide, n.d. Web. 27 Apr. 2011. Read More