How Can People with Social Anxiety and ADHD Thrive?

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety disorder is a condition that instills an intense and persistent fear in people that others are judging them. This condition can also make it difficult for people to feel like they can thrive in professional environments, thus making it difficult for them to build relationships and succeed in careers. However, the good news is that social anxiety is treatable.

How Does Social Anxiety Manifest in People With ADHD?

Although experts aren’t sure how ADHD and social anxiety tend to develop in a person together, they do suggest that several factors such as genetics, environmental toxins, or sometimes premature birth may lead to the development of anxiety disorders. Others believe that symptoms of ADHD also lead to anxiety. ADHD symptoms such as inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity may place people in awkward or uncomfortable social situations. Thus, they may have to face bullying and teasing, which may cause people to fear social rejection and compel them to withdraw from social settings.

Common Issues Faced by People with Social Anxiety

Some people might exhibit symptoms of ADHD and social anxiety that may make it difficult for them to do daily tasks. Here is a list of issues people with ADHD and social anxiety can face daily:

● They may feel self-conscious in front of other people, which may cause low self-esteem.

● They experience increased stress levels because they worry about what people think of them and replay conversations in their mind weeks,months, or even years later.

● Going to the store can be challenging due to fear of judgement or fear of being watched or perceived judgement can limit certain necessarily activities.

● They may not like to talk a lot, so they keep conversations to a minimum. Or they may overcompensate by talking excessively when feeling anxious.

● They may experience panic attacks, nausea, extreme sweating, and shaking in social situations.

How Can People with Social Anxiety and ADHD Thrive?

It can help to learn about both your ADHD and social anxiety. Understanding your social anxiety triggers, being mindful, and facing your fears can be very helpful. Like other anxiety disorders, social anxiety can also be treated by taking medications and therapy treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is considered an effective treatment that helps you understand your triggers for anxiety and teaches techniques that helps you understand and manage your thoughts and emotions.

If you feel you struggle with social anxiety and would like to try some strategies, you can click on the contact page to book a FREE 15-minute consultation with me.