Simple Solutions to Shyness Page 3
Acting is often recommended as a way of combatting shyness. Does it actually work?
It is true that acting is very often recommended for people suffering from shyness, as it allows them to work on some of the characteristic symptoms of social anxiety. It involves working on, among other elements, elocution, which is very useful for people who end up stuttering when they have to speak in public, as well as posture, looking at other people, expressing emotion and anchoring the body. For a shy person who tends to withdraw into themselves, hide in the corner of the room and hold back because they are afraid of being judged, acting can be liberating and prove very beneficial, because it will teach them to gain control over their body and deal with being watched by an audience.
However, there is nothing forcing you to put yourself in an unpleasant or anxiety-inducing situation right away. You can start by finding out about acting classes near you and go and have a look. Go to a class as a spectator; who knows, you might be tempted to join in!
Are all shy people introverts?
Not necessarily. Introversion is often conflated with shyness, but it is not the same thing. Introversion is a tendency to prefer solitary activities and to withdraw into oneself. In other words, introverts do not particularly seek out the company of others because they do not need it. They are different from shy people because, unlike them, they do not suffer as a result of being alone, but choose to remain by themselves. Finally, being introverted does not stop a person from being sociable.
Can shyness be an advantage in the world of work?
Absolutely. Some employers view it as proof of trustworthiness. In addition, shy employees are seen as calm people who think before they act, and are therefore less likely to cause interpersonal problems. Finally, it is claimed that shyness develops empathy, listening abilities and respect for other people, as well as greater capacities for introspection and observation and heightened professional awareness.
I avoid all social activity, because meeting new people and talking in public terrifies me. Am I just shy, or is it something more serious?
Shyness is characterised by physical and mental discomfort in some specific social situations. However, if the shy person has a genuine desire to build relationships with those around them and suffers because they are unable to do so, then this shyness can become a permanent and relatively debilitating state.
If you habitually skip every social event you are invited to in order to avoid dealing with an anxiety-inducing situation that could result in a panic attack, the problem may be more serious. If you feel a real state of panic that never goes away, continually put in place avoidance strategies, and find that your behaviour completely disrupts your day-to-day life, you may be suffering from social phobia. In that case, you are advised to consult a specialist, who will be able to provide you with a diagnosis and recommend suitable treatment.
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Further reading
Bibliography
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Zimbargo, P.G. (1990) Shyness: What It Is, What to Do About It. Cambridge, Massachusetts: Da Capo Press.
Although the editor makes every effort to verify the accuracy of the information published, 50Minutes.com accepts no responsibility for the content of this book.
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