As highlighted in the accompanying resource, anxiety among students is a significant and increasingly common issue. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is particularly prevalent, with a noticeable rise in cases among young people over the past year, partly due to the difficult educational challenges posed by pandemic restrictions and disruptions.
However, pandemic-related issues aren’t the only factors contributing to the rise in anxiety among students. The surge in social media use and other digital communication methods has led to students feeling more isolated and having fewer face-to-face interactions. This isolation hinders the development of essential social skills crucial for personal and professional growth. Compounding this problem is the tendency of social media to expose students to bullying and other hostile communications, which exacerbates social anxiety.
The good news is that social anxiety doesn’t mean a student is doomed to a life of anxiety, underachievement, or isolation. The resource offers various strategies for students to cope with social anxiety, which can also be valuable for parents, family members, and others who are concerned.
Understanding what social anxiety is and how it affects individuals can be the first step in overcoming it and supporting a friend or child who may be struggling. It’s important to realize that almost everyone experiences nervousness in social situations, whether it’s public speaking, attending a party with unfamiliar people, or even participating in online high school classes. For those with social anxiety, however, this fear can become overwhelming, leading to an avoidance of activities they typically enjoy or situations that trigger anxious feelings.
Although social anxiety can feel isolating, it’s important to remember that it can be managed. The key takeaway from this resource is recognizing the anxiety and taking proactive steps to address it. Keep in mind that others are usually more focused on their own concerns than on you. If large groups make you anxious, it might help to practice social skills in smaller, more comfortable settings, gradually building up your confidence.
