Social Anxiety Research Paper
Social Anxiety Disorder
Kayla Garcia
Mental Health - FAM1134
Professor Karen White-Jones
November 26, 2013
Introduction
A vast majority of the population might feel nervous or worried in social situations like speaking in front of a crowd or any type of interview. Some symptoms they might have would be a fast heartbeat, break out into a cold sweat or even faint because they are so nervous. In turn, a person may have social anxiety disorder (SAD), previously known as social phobia, if the nervousness affects the workplace, schoolwork or personal relationships (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2009). People affected with SAD have to constantly think about working conditions, social environments, personal health practices and coping skills …show more content…
as well as other things. This disorder can keep a person from doing the things that they really want to do and it can disrupt their daily activities in a very negative way.
Description of Mental Illness
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders; however, most people do not seek help for it.
Social anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that can affect all ages. People that have social anxiety disorder will feel very uncomfortable in social situations and nervous about doing or saying the wrong thing (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2009). Some people describe it as constantly feeling like they are on a stage in front of an audience. For a person with social anxiety disorder, these factors could have a negative effect on their quality of life.
The 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) reported that just over two million Canadians (aged 15 or older) have experienced social anxiety disorder at some point during their lives (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2006). There are no clear answers as to why social anxiety appears in certain individuals and not in others; however, it is known to be linked with many factors. Some examples would be a family history of anxiety disorders, traumatic events and of course any other medical problems could be a triggering …show more content…
factor.
A vast majority with social anxiety disorder will have physical symptoms such as a racing heart or dizziness. Cognitive symptoms, such as fearful thoughts and predictions, are also common (White-Jones, 2013). Treatment for social anxiety disorder can be more beneficial if treatment is started as soon as the symptoms are recognized. There are many different ways that a person with SAD can help treat this disorder. Support groups are very good for helping an individual feel like they are not alone. Many people also take anti-anxiety medication to lower the body’s response to anxiety. Numerous people also partake in a form of counseling called cognitive-behavioural therapy. This therapy helps you build confidence by teaching your different skills to cope with your anxiety (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2009).
Social Determinant of Health The health of a person is determined by their environment, individual behaviour, and both social and economic factors. Unsafe or stressful working conditions are related to poorer health. It is also reported that people who are happier at work and have control over their circumstances are healthier (What Determines Health?, 2011). People with social anxiety disorder are greatly influenced by their professions. This is why a good, positive working environment is vital for them. It is important that people affected by SAD are accepted for who they are and have a good support system where they can grow and thrive. The Public Health Agency of Canada (2011) states “there is a growing recognition that personal life "choices" are greatly influenced by the socioeconomic environments in which people live, learn, work and play”. What a person with SAD chooses to do on a daily basis is a reflection of how those activities affect them. Those with the disorder usually know that their anxiety, fears and thoughts are irrational and they understand that the people around them are not judging them but despite knowing this, they still believe otherwise. This is one reason why numerous people partake in self care exercises to feel more comfortable in society and less “on a stage”.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2011) “A healthy lifestyle can be thought of as a broad description of people 's behaviour in three inter-related dimensions: individuals; individuals within their social environments… the relation between individuals and their social environment”. Social environments influence the way a person views a situation or event and sometimes that is in a negative light. For example, societal norms pressure individuals into acting a certain way or saying certain things and for a person with SAD, they will occasionally act outside the norm. The relationship between a person with SAD and their family and/or friends is an integral part of how they cope during certain circumstances (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2013).
Mutual Influences of Mental Illness and SDH
A person living with social anxiety disorder may have difficulty with employment and certain working conditions. This condition may cause a number of individuals to avoid certain professions or miss many days of work because they are so anxious. It is suggested that poor working conditions might have a direct correlation with a person’s stress levels. In addition, poor working conditions can also lead to the development of anxiety and depression (Rusli, Edimansyah, & Naing, 2008). Those affected have to make sure that their treatment for SAD is conducted in a positive way. If not, their job may be in jeopardy. Personal health practices and coping skills affect a person with social anxiety disorder in different ways. As a result of fear, a person may choose to cope with certain situations by only attending some of them or by not being present for them at all. If they do chose to be present then “anticipatory” anxiety may occur days and even weeks before (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2013). Complimentary to this, there is a risk of alcohol/substance that may arise as another coping mechanism. This is a negative course of action in regards to treatment and should be avoided.
Social conditions limit a person with social anxiety disorder. Since it is a mental disorder, the majority of people with SAD have very intense mental strain during social situations. This happens in both general and specific circumstances. The feeling may become so strong that a person will go to great lengths and make up many excuses to avoid public occasions (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2013). This can cause a person to feel isolated and potentially trigger a negative response to the disorder.
Personal and Professional Rationale for Social Anxiety Disorder
There are a few people that I know living with social anxiety disorder but it was not until recently where a very important person walked into my life with SAD. Not knowing a significant amount on the subject, I thought that it would be very beneficial to learn more about the background of this disorder. She has educated me on how she feels when she is in a social situation and what happens to her physically. She is very open about her disorder with me which in turn helps me understand it on a personal level and not just an educational level. Thinking about what she goes through in public lead me to wonder about the workplace environment for individuals with this disorder. Coping with this disorder has proven to be complex in her case. The ways that people interact with their environment and how it affects them differs from person to person.
After reading some statistics and learning how many people are actually affected by this disorder I realized how beneficial this knowledge would be during my career. I know that I will work with many clients from diverse backgrounds with different stories and learning as much as I can while I am in school is important. This disorder is sometimes wrongly seen as having severe nervousness that can easily be fixed. As a result, SAD is sometimes shadowed by the more prominent disorders and yet there is a good chance more people are suffering from SAD than other disorders.
Conclusion
Living with social anxiety disorder can prove to be a complicated and an exhausting way to live.
Social anxiety disorder symptoms start to occur in childhood or early adolescence (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2006). The significance of healthy coping mechanisms and skills acquired early in life is very important. Developing strong, achievable goals and aiming to complete them is a good building block to a successful life where one worries less about being in social situations. It is common for this disorder to be misunderstood or misdiagnosed which determines that more education on this disorder would be very
beneficial.
References
Rusli, B.N., Edimansyah, B.A., & Naing, L. (2008). Working conditions, self-perceived stress anxiety, depression and quality of life: A structural equation modeling approach. BMC Public Health. http://ehis.ebscohost.com.rap.ocls.ca/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid= c4fec38d-fe34-4565-9240-d260615fa051%40sessionmgr113&vid=2&hid=106
Social Anxiety Disorder. (2006) Retrieved from Statistics Canada: http://www41.statcan.gc.ca/2006/2966/ceb2966_003-eng.htm
Social Anxiety Disorder. (2009). Retrieved from Canadian Mental Health Association: http://www.mid-island.cmha.bc.ca/get-informed/mental-health-information/social- anxiety-disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder. (2013). Retrieved from WedMD: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety- panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder
What Determines Health?. (2011). Retrieved from Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/
What Makes Canadians Healthy or Unhealthy?. (2013) Retrieved from Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/determinants- eng.php#employment
White-Jones, K. (2013). Anxiety [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from Algonquin College Blackboard: http://online.algonquincollege.com/webapps/login
Kayla Garcia
Mental Health - FAM1134
Professor Karen White-Jones
November 26, 2013
Introduction
A vast majority of the population might feel nervous or worried in social situations like speaking in front of a crowd or any type of interview. Some symptoms they might have would be a fast heartbeat, break out into a cold sweat or even faint because they are so nervous. In turn, a person may have social anxiety disorder (SAD), previously known as social phobia, if the nervousness affects the workplace, schoolwork or personal relationships (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2009). People affected with SAD have to constantly think about working conditions, social environments, personal health practices and coping skills …show more content…
as well as other things. This disorder can keep a person from doing the things that they really want to do and it can disrupt their daily activities in a very negative way.
Description of Mental Illness
Social anxiety disorder is one of the most common anxiety disorders; however, most people do not seek help for it.
Social anxiety disorder is a mental disorder that can affect all ages. People that have social anxiety disorder will feel very uncomfortable in social situations and nervous about doing or saying the wrong thing (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2009). Some people describe it as constantly feeling like they are on a stage in front of an audience. For a person with social anxiety disorder, these factors could have a negative effect on their quality of life.
The 2002 Canadian Community Health Survey (CCHS) reported that just over two million Canadians (aged 15 or older) have experienced social anxiety disorder at some point during their lives (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2006). There are no clear answers as to why social anxiety appears in certain individuals and not in others; however, it is known to be linked with many factors. Some examples would be a family history of anxiety disorders, traumatic events and of course any other medical problems could be a triggering …show more content…
factor.
A vast majority with social anxiety disorder will have physical symptoms such as a racing heart or dizziness. Cognitive symptoms, such as fearful thoughts and predictions, are also common (White-Jones, 2013). Treatment for social anxiety disorder can be more beneficial if treatment is started as soon as the symptoms are recognized. There are many different ways that a person with SAD can help treat this disorder. Support groups are very good for helping an individual feel like they are not alone. Many people also take anti-anxiety medication to lower the body’s response to anxiety. Numerous people also partake in a form of counseling called cognitive-behavioural therapy. This therapy helps you build confidence by teaching your different skills to cope with your anxiety (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2009).
Social Determinant of Health The health of a person is determined by their environment, individual behaviour, and both social and economic factors. Unsafe or stressful working conditions are related to poorer health. It is also reported that people who are happier at work and have control over their circumstances are healthier (What Determines Health?, 2011). People with social anxiety disorder are greatly influenced by their professions. This is why a good, positive working environment is vital for them. It is important that people affected by SAD are accepted for who they are and have a good support system where they can grow and thrive. The Public Health Agency of Canada (2011) states “there is a growing recognition that personal life "choices" are greatly influenced by the socioeconomic environments in which people live, learn, work and play”. What a person with SAD chooses to do on a daily basis is a reflection of how those activities affect them. Those with the disorder usually know that their anxiety, fears and thoughts are irrational and they understand that the people around them are not judging them but despite knowing this, they still believe otherwise. This is one reason why numerous people partake in self care exercises to feel more comfortable in society and less “on a stage”.
According to the Public Health Agency of Canada (2011) “A healthy lifestyle can be thought of as a broad description of people 's behaviour in three inter-related dimensions: individuals; individuals within their social environments… the relation between individuals and their social environment”. Social environments influence the way a person views a situation or event and sometimes that is in a negative light. For example, societal norms pressure individuals into acting a certain way or saying certain things and for a person with SAD, they will occasionally act outside the norm. The relationship between a person with SAD and their family and/or friends is an integral part of how they cope during certain circumstances (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2013).
Mutual Influences of Mental Illness and SDH
A person living with social anxiety disorder may have difficulty with employment and certain working conditions. This condition may cause a number of individuals to avoid certain professions or miss many days of work because they are so anxious. It is suggested that poor working conditions might have a direct correlation with a person’s stress levels. In addition, poor working conditions can also lead to the development of anxiety and depression (Rusli, Edimansyah, & Naing, 2008). Those affected have to make sure that their treatment for SAD is conducted in a positive way. If not, their job may be in jeopardy. Personal health practices and coping skills affect a person with social anxiety disorder in different ways. As a result of fear, a person may choose to cope with certain situations by only attending some of them or by not being present for them at all. If they do chose to be present then “anticipatory” anxiety may occur days and even weeks before (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2013). Complimentary to this, there is a risk of alcohol/substance that may arise as another coping mechanism. This is a negative course of action in regards to treatment and should be avoided.
Social conditions limit a person with social anxiety disorder. Since it is a mental disorder, the majority of people with SAD have very intense mental strain during social situations. This happens in both general and specific circumstances. The feeling may become so strong that a person will go to great lengths and make up many excuses to avoid public occasions (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2013). This can cause a person to feel isolated and potentially trigger a negative response to the disorder.
Personal and Professional Rationale for Social Anxiety Disorder
There are a few people that I know living with social anxiety disorder but it was not until recently where a very important person walked into my life with SAD. Not knowing a significant amount on the subject, I thought that it would be very beneficial to learn more about the background of this disorder. She has educated me on how she feels when she is in a social situation and what happens to her physically. She is very open about her disorder with me which in turn helps me understand it on a personal level and not just an educational level. Thinking about what she goes through in public lead me to wonder about the workplace environment for individuals with this disorder. Coping with this disorder has proven to be complex in her case. The ways that people interact with their environment and how it affects them differs from person to person.
After reading some statistics and learning how many people are actually affected by this disorder I realized how beneficial this knowledge would be during my career. I know that I will work with many clients from diverse backgrounds with different stories and learning as much as I can while I am in school is important. This disorder is sometimes wrongly seen as having severe nervousness that can easily be fixed. As a result, SAD is sometimes shadowed by the more prominent disorders and yet there is a good chance more people are suffering from SAD than other disorders.
Conclusion
Living with social anxiety disorder can prove to be a complicated and an exhausting way to live.
Social anxiety disorder symptoms start to occur in childhood or early adolescence (Social Anxiety Disorder, 2006). The significance of healthy coping mechanisms and skills acquired early in life is very important. Developing strong, achievable goals and aiming to complete them is a good building block to a successful life where one worries less about being in social situations. It is common for this disorder to be misunderstood or misdiagnosed which determines that more education on this disorder would be very
beneficial.
References
Rusli, B.N., Edimansyah, B.A., & Naing, L. (2008). Working conditions, self-perceived stress anxiety, depression and quality of life: A structural equation modeling approach. BMC Public Health. http://ehis.ebscohost.com.rap.ocls.ca/eds/pdfviewer/pdfviewer?sid= c4fec38d-fe34-4565-9240-d260615fa051%40sessionmgr113&vid=2&hid=106
Social Anxiety Disorder. (2006) Retrieved from Statistics Canada: http://www41.statcan.gc.ca/2006/2966/ceb2966_003-eng.htm
Social Anxiety Disorder. (2009). Retrieved from Canadian Mental Health Association: http://www.mid-island.cmha.bc.ca/get-informed/mental-health-information/social- anxiety-disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder. (2013). Retrieved from WedMD: http://www.webmd.com/anxiety- panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder
What Determines Health?. (2011). Retrieved from Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/
What Makes Canadians Healthy or Unhealthy?. (2013) Retrieved from Public Health Agency of Canada: http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/ph-sp/determinants/determinants- eng.php#employment
White-Jones, K. (2013). Anxiety [PowerPoint slides]. Retrieved from Algonquin College Blackboard: http://online.algonquincollege.com/webapps/login