If you suffer from social anxiety, you already know how overwhelming everyday activities can be. Visiting the grocery store or inquiring about the daily special at an Arlington Heights restaurant can make your pulse race. If you’re wondering how to secure a job with social anxiety, here are some tips and tools to help you achieve professional success while managing this condition.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a condition characterized by extreme fear and anxiety in social situations. Individuals with social anxiety disorder are worried about being watched and judged by others and fear humiliation and rejection in ordinary social situations. They may experience anxiety around meeting new people, making phone calls, asking for assistance in a store, or answering a question in front of others.
Symptoms of social anxiety include:
- Sweating, blushing, or trembling in social situations
- Dizziness and lightheadedness around people
- Nausea and upset stomach during or in anticipation of social situations
- Shaky or quiet voice when talking to others
- Feeling that your mind has gone blank when speaking with others
- Muscle tension around people
- Intense analysis of your performance in social situations
- Anxiety in anticipation of social events, and an expectation of the worst
- Avoidance of speaking to people
- Avoidance of any situation where you might attract attention
- A fear that you will draw attention in ordinary situations
Social anxiety disorder is the third most common mental health condition, behind depression and substance use disorder. It’s estimated that 5% to 10% of the global population suffers from this condition, and as many as 13% of Americans have social anxiety disorder or symptoms of social anxiety. There are mild, moderate, and extreme forms of social anxiety.
Mild Social Anxiety
Mild social anxiety is often confined to specific social situations. People with this level of anxiety can typically endure their symptoms and participate in most social situations.
Moderate Social Anxiety
Moderate social anxiety likely exhibits in a variety of social situations. Individuals with moderate social anxiety may tolerate certain situations, but they will probably avoid some social activities because their physical and psychological symptoms are overwhelming.
Extreme Social Anxiety
Extreme social anxiety is likely to impact nearly all social activities. The symptoms are severe and may include panic attacks, so a person with extreme social anxiety will avoid social situations as much as possible.
Can Someone With Social Anxiety Get a Job?
Getting and maintaining a job is more difficult for someone with social anxiety disorder. Studies have shown that people with social anxiety disorder experience dysfunction at a similar level to those with:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Multiple sclerosis
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- End-stage renal disease
This comparison demonstrates that social anxiety has a significant impact on workplace performance. Social anxiety is a significant barrier to securing a job because it affects your ability to confidently interview for a position, make follow-up calls, and even accept job offers. Your social anxiety may cause so much fear surrounding the thought of your first days in an unknown environment surrounded by new people that you may turn down the job altogether.
Although social anxiety makes it more challenging to secure and maintain a job, it doesn’t entirely preclude you from finding employment. Many people can learn to overcome social anxiety disorder with proper therapy, and some medications can help with this disorder. Proper interventions can help you get a job and excel over time.
Techniques and Tools for Handling Social Anxiety in the Workplace
If you’re suffering from social anxiety disorder, you may have noticed its detrimental impact on your professional life. Try these tactics to minimize or overcome the effects of social anxiety on your job.
Find the Right Job
What are the best jobs for people with social anxiety? Some jobs are easier to deal with than others. Look for positions with minimal social interaction. Working in a call center is a nightmare for someone afraid of using the phone. A job in landscaping, however, can offer a refreshing retreat from intense social situations. Consider occupations where you do most of your work individually or on a small team. Working as a mechanic, engineer, computer programmer, accountant, data analyst, graphic designer, or writer can provide you with the independence you need.
Pursue Medical Treatment
Speak to your doctor if you believe you may have social anxiety disorder. They can refer you to a therapist, psychiatrist, or psychologist who can help. Treatment such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be very effective for this disorder. You may also benefit from medications such as antidepressants, antianxiety medications, or beta-blockers.
Practice Realistic Thinking
Realistic thinking is the mindful practice of combating negative and fearful thoughts. You must confront negative and unrealistic expectations, such as “Everyone will think I sound stupid,” or “My clients can tell how awkward I am.” Flip the script and practice mantras that reinforce the opposite. Keep a journal detailing successful interactions to prove to your inner critic that your fears are unfounded. CBT can provide many techniques for handling social anxiety.
Use Mindfulness Strategies
Mindfulness keeps you focused on the present situation, which can counteract much of the anxious thinking associated with social anxiety disorder. Medication and breathing techniques can help you stay in the present and prevent your brain from dwelling on fears about the future.
Seeking Support Through Therapy and Counseling
Therapy and counseling are essential tools for anyone with serious social anxiety. Talk therapy is an effective treatment that can help you work past your anxieties and into a successful career. A skilled therapist can also walk you through mindfulness strategies and assist with CBT to combat your irrational thought processes.
Schedule a Therapy Appointment at NeuroHealth Today
If you’re struggling to get or keep a Chicago-area job because of social anxiety’s disruptive symptoms, we can help. Our neuropsychologists can provide expert support with social anxiety disorder and other mental health problems. Contact us today to schedule your appointment.
Image by Joice Kelly is licensed with Unsplash License