Social anxiety: The hidden habits that make it worse
This article explores the personal experiences and symptoms of social anxiety disorder, particularly among university students. It highlights how avoidance behaviors and physical symptoms can significantly impact academic and social life.
Why it matters
Understanding the triggers and manifestations of social anxiety is crucial for providing better mental health support in educational settings.
Share Save Add as preferred on Google Nick Triggle Health correspondent Getty Images Overcoming social anxiety can be tricky but experts have shared some tips to try and make it easier It was during her teenage years that Mary began to become anxious in social situations. It got so bad she developed depression and had to have time off school.
By the time she started university, she avoided group settings altogether.
"I didn't join clubs and societies like others did," says Mary (not her real name). "I just thought nobody would want to get to know me. I didn't really make a single friend during my whole degree."
Mary's social anxiety was so bad that she was diagnosed as having social anxiety disorder - something that affects up to 12% of people at some point in their lives.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in