New research by the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy reveals that social anxiety has a lasting effect on the UK as it approaches the fifth anniversary.
Over 2,000 3British people were surveyed. The results show that over half of them (54%) suffer from social anxiety. 16-24 year olds are the most affected, at 72%. Of those with social anxiety, 72% are 16-24-year-olds.
- Nearly two-thirds (64 % 4 ) of respondents say that it has affected both their personal and professional life.
- 50% of people say that they have struggled with forming meaningful relationships
- 47%3 of respondents feel that it has affected their career progress.
One in four people (28 2), despite the impact of social anxiety, would feel ashamed or stigmatised if they sought therapy.
Social anxiety is a fear of social interactions and situations. This is more than just shyness, and it can impact daily life as people are afraid of being judged or humiliated. It can happen in social settings, work meetings, group chats or even one-on-one conversations.
In order to bring these findings into reality, BACP will unveil an emotive art installations “Shadow of Social Anxiety” at the Manchester Art Gallery. The installation features a sculpture made from everyday items that represents situations where social anxieties can be felt. The items such as cinema tickets, mobile phones and wine glasses have been arranged in a way that creates a powerful shadow. This represents the fear of judgement and self-isolation people with social anxiety feel.
A ‘therapy’ lens is placed in front of the artwork to highlight how therapy can help transform perspectives and manage social anxiety. This lens reduces the sculpture and shadow, symbolizing the relief and clarity that professional help provides, and encouraging people with social anxiety, to seek qualified assistance.
Louise Tyler, BACP therapist comments: “Social anxiety is an issue I encounter often in my practice.” It is often dismissed as “just shyness,” but it can have a significant impact on people’s life.
It is important to realize that social anxiety, like other forms of anxiety, is a heightened version of a survival instinct. In this instance, the fear of being excluded is at play. This perfectly normal reaction will be influenced by your personality and previous experiences. In general, you will see that everyone is just trying to’survive’ the social situation as best they can. The majority of people are too busy focusing on themselves to pay attention to what you and others are doing. Although some people may seem more confident than others, that doesn’t mean that they aren’t feeling anxious. Therapy can help you learn to control your anxiety so that it doesn’t overwhelm.
The COVID-19 lockdown has exacerbated this rise in social isolating. BACP’s most recent research, for example, indicates:
- One third (39% 2), or more, were happier when locked down because they did not have to interact with other people.
- Approximately one third (31%) of people feel more anxious about social situations after the pandemic. This number rises to 47% among young people (16-24 years old).
- 32% and 2 think the pandemic negatively affected their ability to communicate and socialize.
The pandemic is causing social anxiety to increase, and many people are reporting a decline in confidence and social skills. Dr Lisa Morrison Coulthard, BACP Director of Professional Standards, Policy and Research, says.
We hope that this campaign will encourage those who are struggling to find therapeutic support. The use of therapy, like counselling or psychotherapy, can help individuals to find a way forward. They are equipped with tools and strategies that will allow them to change their perspective and cope better with overwhelming social situations.
BACP’s “Shadow of Social Anxiety” campaign is designed to increase awareness of the impact that social anxiety has on people and how therapy can help them overcome these challenges. BACP’s ‘Shadow of Social Anxiety’ campaign aims to raise awareness about the impact social anxiety can have on people and how seeking therapy can help individuals navigate these challenges.
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