Many individuals who experience social anxiety can link it to very specific events in their past.
embarrassing oneself in front of a class.
receiving criticism from a close friend or instructor.
or experiencing bullying while others were around.
These moments don't simply pass. They frequently make a lasting impression, influencing our responses in day to day interactions. Someone's mind begins to associate new social situations with the same fear and sense of threat if they experienced repeated humiliation or bullying as a child.
Then what? Situations that can be frightening include speaking in front of a group, meeting new people, and making an introduction. The body responds as though the old memories were occurring again when they reappear. This can eventually become a vicious cycle that is very difficult to escape on your own.
Therefore, it's critical to realize that social anxiety is not about being "too weak" or "too shy." It's a legitimate reaction that frequently comes from traumatic events that have influenced how we see ourselves and other people.
To find out more about how social anxiety develops as a result of experiences like bullying and humiliation,here’s a scientific article that explores it in detail:
The etiology of social anxiety disorder: An evidence based model.