Behaviors Associated with Social Anxiety

Behaviors associated with social anxiety can trigger anxiety attacks.

These can easily be triggered when the person is in a situation such as eating in front of other people, speaking in public, being the center of attention, talking to strangers, going on dates, meeting new people, interviewing for a new job, going to work or school, looking other people in the eyes, making phone calls in public, or using public restrooms.

There are many negative side effects that can come from social anxiety if untreated.

Some issues that could arise from not seeking treatment are low self-esteem, trouble being assertive, negativity, hypersensitive to criticism, poor social skills, becoming isolated and having difficulties with social relationship, low academic and employment achievements, substance abuse and or suicide or suicidal attempts.

Individuals who tend to experience more social anxiety turn their attention away from threatening social information and toward themselves, prohibiting them from challenging negative expectations about others and maintaining high levels of social anxiety.