Social Anxiety: Part 2
In my article last week I asked the question, “Do you experience social anxiety?” I sought to share my compassion with those who do. In this article, I want to delve deeper into this subject and give some Scripture references that may help those who are seeking relief. Next week, I will share some coping skills that can be applied.
It would be good to remember the difference between fear (that we all experience) and social anxiety. If you were in a store and someone pulled out a gun to rob the store, fear would be immediately experienced by most people. That would be normal. However, with social anxiety, being at home and just thinking through the possibility of such an event happening, will keep that person at home and never even entering into the store for fear of that possible situation even happening to them.
Let me share a few characteristics that we may not automatically associate with social anxiety.
Loners. People who like to be by themselves a lot. This could include self-made hermits. People who avoid people almost all the time are probably experiencing social anxiety.
People who tend to or almost always turn down invitations to parties and special events. Since they do not like to be around a lot of people, they rarely accept invitations of this nature. Another truth here is, a person with social anxiety does not like to meet new people and will guard themselves from that possibility.
People with social anxiety never initiate a get together for lunch. They always wait for the other person to initiate the invite. This is why people who do not experience social anxiety wonder, “Why do I always have to be the one to invite people to lunch or be the one to make the first call?”
People with social anxiety, do not initiate friendships. They may have a few people they are comfortable with, and they are perfectly fine with that. They feel they have all the friends they need and do not seek others.
As odd as this might sound, people with social anxiety, might deep down inside be willing to admit, they do not like people. For instance, a pastor who is the last person in the worship center, the first person to leave, and never personally interacts with the people he preaches to, most likely has social anxiety disorder.
Let me close with two Scripture verses that might help those who are seeking relief. I have many more. Contact me if you would like a free copy of the full list.
“The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe.” (Proverbs 29:25)
“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.” (Philippians 4:6-7)
