VOLUNTARY REMARKS Social Anxiety In College: It’s More Common Than You Think by Bisma Anwar, LMHC, a Talkspace therapist
Social anxiety in college is surprisingly common. Research indicates that 44% of college students1 experience moderateto-severe anxiety, and that’s just the percentage who report it. Without effective coping strategies, social anxiety can progress into generalized anxiety
So much of college life is based on interacting with peers, professors, and others. Students with social anxiety can have a hard time accomplishing tasks that some consider integral to the college experience, like: • Speaking with professors
is increasing on campuses across the
• Delivering presentations
alleviate and cope with its symptoms.
KAJ_Sp23_58-100_C3-C4_P5.indd 98
Many feel uneasy engaging in public speaking, delivering a lecture or presentation, or going to a big party. If you have social anxiety, though, you might constantly worry about being embarrassed, humiliated, or rejected, or find it difficult to relax in social settings.
disorder (GAD). While this condition country, there are several ways to
98
Social Anxiety in College
• Going out and enjoying nightlife
• Making new friends • Going on dates
That being said, social anxiety is a highly treatable condition, and there are several ways to reduce and manage your symptoms while becoming more confident around others.
W W W. K A P PA A L P H AO R D E R .O R G
4/24/23 9:51 AM