The Nature of Stigma with Social Anxiety Disorder

[@lavenderdemons]

People think it’s shyness or introversion and don’t take it seriously at all. People with social anxiety are at a higher risk of unemployment and suicide attempts, as well as other mental and physical health issues. Other possible health and social issues aside, the disorder is hell in itself. Socializing is a huge part of human nature. It’s not something that can be 100% avoided. You’re stuck with either fighting anxiety and becoming exhausted or avoiding it and getting worse. Social anxiety has ruined my life. It CAN be very debilitating and as serious as other disorders like BPD, depression, ect. And for me, it is very debilitating. It’s so much more than shyness, and it’s not cute or quirky.

[@oceanizlife473]

Based on my personal experiences, I reckon the no.1 reason why people with social anxiety don't reach out for help is because at its mild stages it is just viewed as "shyness", then by the time we think it's severe enough to justify asking for help it's already escalated to a point that makes talking to professionals very hard. Like you have to face your fear in order to get help to face that same fear? When I was at my worst, I was unable to ask for help. Had to wait for a period of stableness in my life before I finally managed to get to the GP etc. Another great video tho btw! Your content is always awesome to watch. 10/10

[@DrGrande]

Thank you so much!

[@suzgen7323]

I also think that maybe people don't get help because they fear speaking to someone about the issue not necessarily about the stigma associated with it.

[@tsbcmhc2083]

IMO stigma plays a huge role in why people do not seek help and particularly with SAD. If people with SAD are already fearful of judgement by others, why would they willingly put themselves in a place to potentially be judged and part of the stigma. It's a vicious cycle and educating the public is key.

[@kelly4321]

It was surprising to hear that social anxiety disorder is the least stigmatized. Without looking at any research I assumed that it would be one of the more highly stigmatized since it could be easily used as a scapegoat for some. An individual could be experiencing an episode and others around that person who are unaware could say that they are faking to get out of certain situations or to gain attention, thus perpetuating a stigma against it. It is good to hear that there is hardly any stigma involved with this, it looks like that society is slowly heading in the right direction in regards to thought processes and perceptions of mental health disorders.

[@janicedixon2051]

Interesting. I actually expected for social anxiety to be the least stigmatized because it is uncontrollable and what could be honestly say about a person with anxiety other than “you are faking it.” I just don’t see how someone would have a negative view of someone with anxiety.

[@angelinastanton7996]

It was interesting to learn that 80% of individuals with Social Anxiety Disorder do not seek treatment when compared to 40% of individuals with Major Depressive Disorder who do not seek treatment. We definitely need to consider the consequences associated with stigma of mental health disorders. This video was great in being able to outline important stigmas related to Social Anxiety Disorder and other disorders.

[@kikixiong6156]

I wonder if the reason why 60% of people with social anxiety do not seek treatment contains the thoughts that their symptoms/anxiety/fear are “not that serious” or not enough to be needing treatment.

[@KellyanneKashaS]

I don't think that is the case. Mine has ruined my life to extent i haven't lived for past 10yrs. I also suffer severe depression & the social anxiety caused me to be agrophobic. There is many reasons not just one why don't get help. Don't want to go out & face people for one, admitting it to outsiders also & because i had kids i had a huge fear & guilt that i couldn't as i feared they would take my children due to irrational fear thoughts.

[@JoeDirt-el2fr]

Most people do not see this as a big deal. A child who does not speak for years may have more going on than just growing pains. This child in particular could take this into their adult life and it could cause problems.

[@jackiesorrells5571]

Bringing awareness to this disorder is critically important to ensure those affected are able to lead a meaningful life experience.

[@johnharrisjr2808]

This video gives a good definition of stigma. I don't agree with the stigma on substance use disorder. What I mean is that individuals have to be responsible for their actions however when people start with drugs they don't set out to become an addict. It happens when they get caught up. Not everyone that uses substances gets addicted.

[@suzgen7323]

I never really thought of SAD having a stigma. I know people who mention their fears of public speaking or being in crowds. I'm not surprised that many people who have SAD do not receive treatment.

[@adambrowne332]

I really liked how you explained stigma as this degree of wanting social distance or a desire to create social distance. I believe that the only purpose of stigmatizing another group of people is to make them feel left out and create that social distance or create some kind of hierarchy, a "we are better than you" view. It's unfortunate that individuals with Social Anxiety are much less like than individuals with other mental health disorders to seek treatment and it's largely because of the stigma towards them.

[@lemontarts]

I just found your channel and I love it! A year ago, I was admitted into a PHP for my social anxiety disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I wasn’t even that aware of my SAD until I was admitted, then I realized how debilitating it was for me. I appreciate the videos you make because I think they can help a lot of people with these disorders feel validated. I also think your videos can help the people without these disorders understand more about different mental illnesses. Thank you for all the work you do, keep it up!

[@DrGrande]

You're welcome!

[@virginiamurrey9139]

This video in relation to the last within this play list is very informational. I learned that those with social anxiety could be physically exhausted from panic attacks from watching these videos. The more people receive education on disorders and mental health, the more they will understand, and hopefully lessen the negative impact or amount of stigmas.

[@angelinastanton7996]

Hopefully this video will help spread awareness and cause people with mental health disorders, specifically Social Anxiety Disorder, to get treatment.

[@andreanichols7950]

Stigma prevents so much progress in people's lives.

[@rhondabaileyyy]

I found it interesting that 80% of people that have SAD do not receive treatment and it makes sense that I may be related to stigma.

[@kamalmdable]

Could you please make a Video about how to manage work and professional life with social anxiety. Is social job or isolated job better? Can someone with social anxiety be a psychiatrist as I am actually in this situation

[@DrGrande]

That is an excellent idea for a topic. I will add that to the production list.

[@yourenough3]

Great info. Thanks again Dr. G. Your videos are very helpful! Have a great day!

[@atomikjames]

Hi Dr Grande. Could you please do a video some time, demonstrating how to easily find the newest journal articles released in psychology? I have never known how to really stay abreast of the latest journal articles, and find myself reading older papers in google scholar, science direct, and psycinfo.

[@veronicabetz9452]

Thank you for giving an accurate and detailed definition of stigma. This is a very informative presentation and will be very helpful in my coursework.

[@wandamixon5360]

I found this video interesting in that some research on the stigma associated with social anxiety disorder is discussed in more detail. I plan to review those articles when I have an opportunity.

[@jillbeck6917]

An interesting discussion regarding stigma. I was not surprised by the gender differences in regard to mental illness that were mentioned due to societal sex roles and the fact that women have higher rates of mental illness.

[@practicalintuition4030]

Hello, Dr. Grande. I just want to thank you for your time. I am very grateful for your insight. I am currently anxiously attached partner, who is working on regulating his emotions, while at the same time, trying to understand his partner. I believe my partner is an avoidant partner. Every video is invaluable for the INTJ, who is also strangely, anxiously attached (currently) My wife is like a Ferrero Rocher truffle. She has a hard, rough outer shell, but she has a soft hazelnut center. I know it's there. I've tasted it before. I will break through.

[@thedarkestdisorder9649]

you start being a scared little boy but your body grows and becomes adult while you still on the inside feeling like a scared little boy. you can't speak to your peers or to older people or younger people or to authority or anyone behind a desk because you're afraid they will scream at you, you can't ask for help or go to doctors because you feel like they're gonna be upset with you. you can't help being a scared little boy in an adult's body. and by each passing year your humiliation grows with the growing of your body and how your family expects you to take on the responsibility people your age hold and not be scared. so you start thinking about taking your life all the time, because at least then you won't be a shameful burden to your family.

[@Dan-vq1dr]

Hi Doc been a subscriber to you for a while now and ive been wondering if you could please cover the topic of emotional masochism and masochistic equilibrium. I suffer from both of these psychological issues due to intense toxic parenting and it sometimes evolve to maladaptive daydreaming and sadomasochism which i tried to force on my ex girlfriend with me being the complete submissive one. Please, i need advice and some of your opinions on the matter.