With the advent of the internet age and the influence of "homebody culture," many young people today dislike interacting with others in real life. They become engrossed in virtual worlds, staying home for days on end. Gradually, some begin to disconnect from society, fearing social interactions in real life and seeking to avoid crowds. In more severe cases, they may even develop social anxiety disorder.Yet humans are social creatures; we cannot isolate ourselves from the world forever. Those suffering from social anxiety should seek treatment. On this matter, Professor Jia Fujun, Chief Physician at the Guangdong Provincial Mental Health Center of Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital, shared his insights.
Why do some people experience social anxiety?
In a previous interview with Family Doctor Online, Professor Jia Fujun explained that social anxiety often stems from an inability to overcome feelings of tension and discomfort in public settings."While most people feel nervous in public settings, they can manage it. Those with social anxiety disorder, however, struggle immensely with speaking, presenting, or performing tasks in public. They constantly fear being watched, dreading embarrassment. In severe cases, individuals may isolate themselves indoors daily, avoiding all social contact."
How to treat social anxiety disorder?
Professor Jia Fuju noted that addressing social anxiety begins with altering self-perception—accepting oneself internally, building self-belief, and cultivating confidence to gradually overcome social fears.
1. Accept yourself. Directly tell others: "I get nervous, blush, and sometimes can't speak when talking to people." Remind yourself that the worst has already happened—what else is there to fear? Accepting your inner fears and tension, acknowledging your shortcomings, is the first step toward building confidence. Constantly doubting and denying yourself only traps you in a vicious cycle of social anxiety.
2. Don't set unrealistic expectations for yourself. Stop constantly criticizing yourself for not being perfect or seeking others' approval. You don't need to excel at everything—just do your best.List social situations from easiest to hardest, then practice starting with the simplest. Begin with family and friends—talk with them, give talks in front of them, and learn their social skills. Don't fear embarrassment or worry about others watching you. Only by truly facing your fears can you overcome inner barriers.Reading biographies of great figures can also help. No one is born a social butterfly; everyone develops interpersonal skills gradually within an expanding social circle. This is a step-by-step process. So believe in yourself—you can do it!
Expert reminder: Many children exhibit timidity, introversion, or awkwardness in their early years, often reluctant to speak. Many parents dismiss this as normal, assuming it will resolve as they grow older.In reality, this is an early sign of social difficulties during adolescence. Without proper guidance, children are highly susceptible to developing social anxiety disorder. Additionally, parents should avoid placing excessive pressure on children by setting numerous goals. Children have sensitive and fragile psyches; failing to meet expectations can lead to low self-esteem and self-criticism. In severe cases, they may gradually withdraw, rejecting external interactions and retreating into their own private worlds.