Nasalifya Namwinga, a clinical psychologist, sits on a stool and speaks directly to the camera:


Hey, I am Nasalifya, a clinical psychologist, and today I'm gonna be answering some common questions about Social Anxiety Disorder in teenagers. This can be a really tough and isolating experience. But the good news is that with the right support and strategies, your teen can absolutely learn to manage it and feel more confident in social situations. Let's get started with the first question. 

Question: What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

"What is Social Anxiety Disorder?" Social Anxiety Disorder is a common mental health condition that can have a big impact on teenagers. It's more than just shyness or nervousness. It's an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations, which can make everyday activities like going to school, meeting new people, or just spending time with friends feel really overwhelming. 

Question: What causes Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social Anxiety Disorder doesn't have a single cause. Usually it's a combination of different factors like difficult or traumatic past experiences such as bullying can shape a teen's perception of social situations. Genetics can also play a part, especially if there's a history of anxiety disorders or mental health conditions that run in your family. Other unique factors can also amplify feelings of social anxiety such as school, study stress, or even social media pressures. For example, that feeling of having to maintain a perfect online presence. On top of all of this, big life transitions, such as starting high school or getting ready for adulthood can also heighten feelings of anxiety and stress. 

Question: What are the signs of What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Now, every teen is different, but there are some common signs you might notice, like avoiding social events or withdrawing from activities that they would normally enjoy, struggling to make or keep friendships even if they want connection. Physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, nausea or stomach aches before or during social interactions, overthinking conversations and worrying excessively about how they've been perceived by others, even long after the social interactions. If you are noticing these signs, it's an indicator that your teen might need some extra support. 

Question: How can I help my teen manage Social Anxiety Disorder?

"How can I help my teen manage Social Anxiety Disorder?" Here are five strategies I'd recommend that you try with your teen: 

1. Work on gradual exposure. It might be helpful for you and your teen to make a list of social situations that cause them anxiety, ranking them from least to most challenging. Then work through them one by one, and each time they reach a new goal, celebrate it. Recognise their progress and chat with them about what strategies worked and start building a toolkit from there. 

2. Encourage healthy habits. Simple habits like exercise, mindfulness, and just getting a good night's sleep can create a strong foundation for coping with anxiety when it pops up. 

3. Role-play and prepare. To build their confidence, you could practice some common social situations together in a safe space. This can be really simple like role playing how they introduce themselves or just starting a conversation. 

4. Break things down. Big social situations can feel overwhelming. Help them break them down into smaller, manageable steps like simply showing up, starting a conversation with one person and take it from there. 

5. Celebrate the small wins. Recognise their efforts no matter how small. Whether it's saying, "Hi," to a neighbour or joining in a group activity, recognise these moments because that helps boost their confidence. 

Question: What extra support for Social Anxiety Disorder is available for my teen?

If your teen's social anxiety is getting in the way of their daily life or stopping them from doing the things that they enjoy, it might be time to seek out some extra support. A good starting point is a GP or mental health professional. They can help your teen understand what might be driving the anxiety, build coping strategies and explore therapies to help reframe their thoughts and gradually face social situations. Remember, your teen might find it quite tricky to manage these situations, so be mindful that they may need that extra bit of support from you or a friend to navigate this process. Online and phone support options can be really valuable here. You can help your teen connect with telehealth services or free services like Lifeline and Kids Helpline if they want to chat with someone straight away. Alongside this, your team might find it helpful to hear from others with similar experiences. They could explore online communities or services like ReachOut PeerChat, where they can privately chat with peers who've been in their shoes and are trained to provide support. 

Supporting a teen with Social Anxiety Disorder can be challenging, but by taking the time to understand what they're going through and offering support, you can make a really big difference. Thanks again for watching, and take care.