Counseling & Psychological Services

What is it?

Many people experience some degree of discomfort or anxiousness in new situations or with unfamiliar people. Especially in college, where developing friendships and communicating with professors, administrators and classmates is important to our success and well-being, social anxiety can be troublesome for many students. Social Anxiety is often characterized by intense self-consciousness and embarrassment in social situations, along with fears of being judged by others, and often involves physical symptoms as well (blushing, perspiring, and rapid heartbeat). People with Social Anxiety Disorder will often avoid social situations for fear of experiencing these symptoms. The essence of social anxiety has been said to be an expectation of negative evaluation by others. One theory is that social anxiety occurs when there is motivation to make a desired impression along with doubt about having the ability to do so. Many people have learned to overcome their social anxiety by working with the fears to develop healthy and satisfying relationships.

Signs of Social Anxiety

• Intense worry for days, weeks, or even months before an upcoming social situation.
• Extreme fear of being watched or judged by others, especially people you dont know.
• Fear that youll act in ways that that will embarrass or humiliate yourself.
• Fear that others will notice that youre nervous.
• Avoidance of social situations to a degree that limits your activities or disrupts your life.
• Physical symptoms of social anxiety include pounding heart or tight chest, shaky voice, rapid breathing, sweating, nausea, dry mouth, shaking, muscle tension, dizziness, blushing, sweaty hands, or feeling faint.

Things You Can Do:

• Adjust your attitude, either by working to change your unrealistic expectations that others will judge you for not being perfect; practice replacing your self-criticism with positive thoughts.
• Make small changes, such as nodding hi to someone new, making a brief comment to a classmate, and practice responses to teachers.
• Share your fears with trusted others. You may be surprised how many other people share similar concerns or may have advice for how they worked with their own shyness.
• Join a therapy group. Research has proven that Group Therapy is one of the most beneficial forms of treatment, especially for those struggling with social anxiety. Therapy groups are safe and helpful places to explore our relationships with other.

Help is Available

It may benefit you to talk to someone at the Counseling Center. Stop by during our Walk In hours Monday-Friday 8:30-11:00 a.m. & 1:00-4:00 p.m., or call 262-3180. We can talk with you about your concerns. You may also learn more by checking our other links, or completing an online screening.

Crisis Services

If you or another ASU student is experiencing suicidal and/or homicidal thoughts or experiencing trauma in regard to a sexual assault, you may contact us after hours by calling the Campus Police Department at 828-262-2150 and asking to speak with the counselor on-call. The counselor on-call will be notified and will call you back.