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How Does Social Anxiety Affect the Population?

Around 12.1% of all adults experience social anxiety at least once in their lives
Around 9.1% of adolescents (aged 13-18) have social anxiety
Though they may not have social anxiety, many adolescents experience similar symptoms such as self-consciousness
- You can experience certain symptoms without having anxiety (ex. stress)
- Adolescents experience the imaginary audience, a belief that others are constantly observing them
Social anxiety is the third most common mental health disorder after depression and substance abuse
Many people who have social anxiety disorder do not realize that they do
- In a study done by Jefferies and Ungar, 36% of respondents were found to have social anxiety
- 18% of those 36% believed they did not have social anxiety
Less than 5% of people with social anxiety get treatment in the year after the start of the disorder
More than 1/3 of people with the disorder have symptoms for 10+ years before seeking treatment

Social anxiety has many negative consequences if it goes untreated:

The disorder impairs many areas of life
Students with social anxiety are more likely to drop out of school and have worse qualifications than others
Students with social anxiety were found to have lower GPAs
Individuals with social anxiety do not have many friends and the relationships they form lack quality
Individuals with social anxiety are more likely to be bullied
These individuals have a harder time doing certain day-to-day tasks such as shopping/calling others

The effects of social anxiety carry out into young adults' futures:

Adults with social anxiety are less productive and need more time off from work
Adults with social anxiety have a harder time with socializing, but many jobs value social skills and teamwork
- Jobs that need workers with strong social skills such as healthcare and hospitality are the most active in the economy
Adults with social anxiety have a harder time with closer relationships
- They are less likely to get married and more likely to divorce
- Less likely to have children
Social anxiety can elevate risks for other disorders such as major depressive disorder or alcohol disorders

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