Social anxiety

Young people who suffer from social anxiety often have the painful experience of not belonging. In these situations, they feel exposed and that others can see their weaknesses. In other situations, they feel they are transparent and unnoticed by others. These feelings injure their self-esteem and decrease the motivation to meet others, whether virtually or face-to-face. In severe situations, this experience can make a person feel damaged and worthless – feelings that will persist long after the experience of being exposed to others ended.

One of the characteristics of socially anxious individuals is that they are highly critical of themselves. They do not allow themselves to make mistakes and for inconsequential mistakes punish themselves without end. This self-criticism causes great pain, paralysis and suffering. While the person suffering from social anxiety thinks others are dangerous and the source of his misery, in reality, it is often the person himself who is his own worst enemy.

Young people who suffer from social anxiety allow others to determine and to have exaggerated influence on their self-esteem.  When they come to a social gathering, they are constantly concerned with what others think about them and usually conclude that these are negative thoughts. They often feel like a “walking joke,” and as an object of ridicule.