Dealing with social anxiety at the workplace.

By Thomas Watt
Monster Contributing Writer

A very positive trend in recent years has been the breaking of the taboo of silence surrounding mental illness. We wouldn’t shame an athlete if he pulled a hamstring because he was training too hard, so why do we feel compelled to judge people or ourselves when our mental lives become bruised or broken? There are tens of thousands of people, ordinary work a week people, who suffer like heroes in silence, battling, OCD, depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and other related syndromes. It’s time to speak up.

More common than you think
To give you an idea of the scope of what we are talking about here: the Canadian Mental Health Association states that in the 12 to 19 year age group alone the total number of at risk adolescents in developing depression is a staggering 3.2 million. And according to the America Anxiety and Depression Association 12 percent of the population suffers from an anxiety disorder which is a huge number. 1 in 5 people have experienced some form of a panic attack, which amounts to 40 million people above the age of 18. It’s obvious from these numbers that metal illness is not just found in extreme cases but actually a very common phenomenon.

Social anxiety in the workplace
Social anxiety disorder, or SAD, is defined as the extreme and debilitating fear of being scrutinized or judged by other people in social or performance situations. About 15 million people in the US suffer from this condition. It’s no surprise then in our career driven society that the workplace would pose a significant problem to those suffering from SAD. In the office, throughout our careers we are exposed daily to social situations that could be trying even to the most well-adjusted person. People suffering from SAD in the workplace therefore might be hurting in many ways in terms of their career: like passing up on promotions, fading into the background at meetings or in the office in general, a lack of speaking in groups bigger that two, and in an overall way, underperforming.

So if you are someone that thinks they fit this description or know someone that does here are some tips for dealing with or beating your social anxiety disorder at work. Tips on how to manage:

1. Get help
   One of the ironic features of this syndrome is that it makes it difficult for people who suffer from it, to ask for help. About 36 percent of people who suffer take ten years or more of exhibiting symptoms before they reach out for help. It is important to do so, though. There are a number of therapies available for you both with our without drugs and in partnership with properly trained therapists and counsellors.
2. Find an ally
   At work, find someone who you can trust and confide in them. They can be your anchor in tough times, and it’s always good to have someone on your side in the workplace, social anxiety disorder or not. Remember there is power in duos.
3. Plan ahead, be early and take charge.
   While social anxiety can be reduced by consciously ‘letting go’ another very useful technique to reduce SAD at the workplace is by better planning. The logic goes that the less variables to go wrong the less anxiety. That means getting to work early for big meetings, painstaking preparation for speeches and public speaking and generally moving out of a victim mentality to a more proactive one. Remember the single most powerful tool against anxiety is immediate action.
4. Be easy on yourself.
   Many people who suffer from anxiety feel a need to be hard on themselves, feeling they could be successful, or get the job they wanted if it wasn’t for their anxiety problem. It is just not the right way to go about things. Blaming yourself is never the answer. Also it’s good to remind yourself or anxiety sufferers, in this case, that many famous and successful people suffer from social anxiety disorder. You are not alone! Seek a support group. There is power in numbers. Support groups, like those found within AA and NA are very successful in helping people navigate their lives better. The anxiety disorders association of America (ADAA) has a comprehensive list of social anxiety disorder support groups for all of North America, including Canada. If you can’t find one in your area you can go and even be instructed at their website on how to start your own

Please note that this is just an informative article. If you experience any symptoms of illness or anxiety disorders, please contact a doctor or professional help.