Introduction
Amy Oberholtzer, Executive Director of CATCH, introduces Erica Leibrandt, a psychotherapist specializing in anxiety and depression. Erica discusses the rising prevalence of social anxiety in teens and adults, exacerbated by the pandemic and societal trends.
Key Take Aways
- Rise of Social Anxiety
- 9.1% of teens have Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), with many more experiencing milder forms.
- Untreated SAD can lead to low self-esteem, underperformance, depression, codependency, and “failure to launch” in adulthood.
- Causes of Social Anxiety
- Evolutionary Roots: Fear of rejection stems from humans’ need for group safety.
- Technology: Social media reduces face-to-face interactions, fosters avoidance, and distorts reality (e.g., curated perfection, cyberbullying).
- Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs): Trauma (e.g., neglect, abuse) isolates children, increasing anxiety.
- Global Stressors: Pandemic, environmental instability, and societal fears contribute.
- Symptoms
- Emotional: Fear of judgment, anticipatory and post-event rumination, catastrophic thinking.
- Physical: Nausea, trembling, sweating, dizziness, dissociation.
- Dandelion vs. Orchid Children
- Orchid children (highly sensitive) perceive stimuli more intensely, making them prone to withdrawal.
- How to Help Kids
- Active Listening: Create safe spaces for conversation (e.g., car rides, walks).
- Emotional Naming: Help kids identify and articulate feelings to build emotional intelligence.
- Practical Techniques:
- Box Breathing: Inhale (3 sec), pause, exhale (6 sec) to regulate the nervous system.
- 5 Senses Exercise: Grounding technique to reduce anxiety.
- Posture/Tree Pose: Standing straight boosts confidence.
- Limit Technology: Use apps like Bark to control screen time, enforce phone-free periods, and discuss online experiences.
- Treatment Options
- Experiential Therapy: Practice real-world social interactions.
- Exposure Therapy: Gradual exposure to social situations.
- CBT: Challenge and reframe negative thoughts.
- Group Therapy: Build skills in a supportive setting.
Q&A Highlights
- Shyness vs. SAD: Shyness is temperamental; SAD is more severe and debilitating.
- Parental Role: Model behavior, maintain open dialogue, and set boundaries (e.g., phone use).
- College Transition: Gradually shift control to teens, allowing them to learn from mistakes.
- Subtle Signs: Reluctance to initiate social plans, physical symptoms (e.g., stomachaches).
Concluding Thought
Erica emphasizes that social anxiety is manageable with the right tools and support. Parents are encouraged to stay engaged, patient, and proactive in helping their kids build resilience.
Key Takeaway
Social anxiety is a growing challenge, but through empathy, skill-building, and professional support, kids can learn to navigate it effectively.
Resources
- Book: The Shyness and Social Anxiety Workbook by Martin M. Antony PhD and Richard P. Swinson MD
- Book: The Highly Sensitive Person by Elaine N. Aron PhD
- Book: De-Escalate: How to Calm an Angry Person in 90 Seconds or Less by Douglas E Noll
- Tools: ACE questionnaire, Bark app.
Watch the recording of this presentation on the CATCH YouTube channel.
