Common Social Phobia / Social Anxiety Disorder Triggers

Although it may feel like you’re the only one with this problem, social anxiety or social phobia is actually quite common.

Many people struggle with these fears. But the situations that trigger the symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be different.

Some people experience anxiety in most social and performance situations, a condition known asgeneralized social anxiety disorder. For other people with social phobia, anxiety is connected with specific social situations, such as speaking to strangers, eating at restaurants, or going to parties.

The most common specific social phobia is fear of public speaking or performing in front of an audience.

Triggers for social anxiety disorder (social phobia)

The following situations are often stressful for people with social anxiety disorder:

§  Meeting new people §  Being the center of attention §  Being watched while doing something §  Making small talk §  Public speaking §  Performing on stage §  Being teased or criticized §  Talking with “important” people or authority figures

§  Being called on in class §  Going on a date §  Making phone calls §  Using public bathrooms §  Taking exams §  Eating or drinking in public §  Speaking up in a meeting §  Attending parties or other social gatherings