​Isolation and Social Anxiety

By Ramir Wearen 
 
It is no secret that isolation or any form of social isolation could lead to mild social anxiety or in some cases even severe anxiety. Many people tend to think that social anxiety is just fear of interacting with others. Although that plays a part in one realizing that they may be dealing with this condition, it is in all actuality much more than that. 
 
So what exactly is social anxiety? According to the Mayo Clinic, “social anxiety disorder includes fear, anxiety and avoidance that interfere with relationships, daily routines, work, school or other activities.” This disorder typically begins in the early to mid-teens, though it can sometimes start in younger children or in adults but, can these types of conditions be triggered by isolation? 
 
Many studies have shown that throughout the pandemic a large share of young people reported symptoms of anxiety and depressive disorder. These types of problems are very common in teens and young adults when facing isolation or disassociation from a specific structure or people they are used to. 
 
“Even those who would consider themselves naturally more extroverted could be struggling,” said Leslie Adams, case therapist at Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital when discussing why some may feel anxious about returning to ‘normal’ after living through a year of a global pandemic. As stated in healthline.com, “Dealing with long periods of isolation can increase social anxiety.” These problems need to be addressed more often because most people may be dealing with these issues and have no clue how to overcome them. 
 
If you or anyone else you think may be dealing with social anxiety or other metal conditions especially caused by isolation or the pandemic please seek out professional help or mindfulness practices that could be helpful to them.