Social anxiety disorder is a more common mental disorder in America and affects 15 million adults a year. People suffering from social anxiety disorder fear being visibly nervous in front of others and avoid having face-to-face interactions. Cases of social anxiety can become so severe that someone may avoid events and activities that involve any form of public speaking or extensive amounts of face-to-face interaction. This has significant impact on high school students who must constantly present in front of their peers. Weeks before presenting, students suffering from social anxiety dread the event. The growth of nerves over time results in the presenter experiencing a mild anxiety attack in the middle of their presentation where their heart pounds, hands shake, and voice trembles. One student remarks that after a presentation their peers witness their anxiety attacks, they feel “embarrassed, humiliated, and like a weak, pathetic loser” (Marc, n.d). People who face these challenges in high school are less likely to continue their education in college to avoid similar situations. However, some individuals with social anxiety disorder may resort to using alcohol or marijuana to be able to participate in social events and day-to-day activities. People who use these substances to ease their anxiety rather than proper medication may begin to abuse those substances and become addicted. Untreated social anxiety disorders can also lead to physical symptoms such as fatigue or chronic illnesses such as congestive heart failure.
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If someone who shows signs of social anxiety disorder continues to live without getting any treatment or medication, they may become depressed which would intensify their desire to stay home and avoid all social
If someone who shows signs of social anxiety disorder continues to live without getting any treatment or medication, they may become depressed which would intensify their desire to stay home and avoid all social