For some, even seemingly simple tasks—like using a public restroom or eating in front of others—can trigger anxiety. Individuals with social anxiety often fear judgment and worry about being humiliated, abandoned, or rejected.
The disorder can manifest in varying degrees, from mild discomfort in certain social settings to extreme anxiety that prevents someone from leaving their home. Many sufferers use avoidance tactics, worrying about upcoming events and ultimately skipping them out of fear of embarrassment.
Performance anxiety falls under the umbrella of social anxiety disorder, where individuals fear that poor performance will lead to embarrassment. This can happen during work presentations, sports, or artistic performances.
In all cases, the fundamental fears revolve around loneliness, abandonment, and rejection.
The roots of social anxiety disorder often lie in early childhood experiences. Children who experience mockery, embarrassment, or are not taken seriously may quickly develop a fear of humiliation. These early experiences can become ingrained in the subconscious and may resurface years later when triggered by similar situations.
Social anxiety is not uncommon; it is estimated that around 10% of the population experiences some degree of it. Without treatment, the condition can worsen, lasting for many years or even a lifetime.
Feeling awkward, embarrassed or self conscious in a situation
Increased heart rate, rapid breathing, blushing, light headedness, sweating and trembling
Speaking in either a soft or hesitant or croaky voice
Avoidance of eye contact and perhaps looking at the floor
A physical feeling of nausea
A continual fear of being judged and overthinking
As mentioned earlier, early childhood experiences shape our adult selves. While these events cannot be changed, regression hypnotherapy can help uncover hidden memories. This approach allows individuals to re-experience those feelings and perceptions as a child, enabling them to reframe those perceptions as adults. By doing so, the automatic childlike reactions that arise in perceived dangerous situations can be mitigated.
As mentioned earlier, early childhood experiences shape our adult selves. While these events cannot be changed, regression hypnotherapy can help uncover hidden memories. This approach allows individuals to re-experience those feelings and perceptions as a child, enabling them to reframe those perceptions as adults. By doing so, the automatic childlike reactions that arise in perceived dangerous situations can be mitigated.
I am an award-winning hypnotherapist with 22+ years of experience in treating social anxiety disorder. Call now to book an initial consultation or have a chat about how you can finally be free from your fear.
If you’re interested in learning how hypnotherapy can also address general anxiety and stress, please visit our stress and anxiety page.
