Executive producer Anson W. Schloat and producer-director John G. Young bring this short instructional video, Understanding Social Anxiety, to teachers and students. Highlighting the voices of one clinical psychologist and three teenagers who experience anxiety, this title covers what social anxiety looks like, misconceptions about the topic, and ways to seek help for one’s anxiety.
Linden shares his apprehension when it comes to getting to know others and his fear that people won’t like him once they learn more about him. Consequently, he has a tendency to self-isolate. Emily talks about her dream of becoming an actress and how her unease in social situations presents obstacles to that goal. She also struggles with activities like ordering food on the phone. And Natalya is open about her tendency to remain quiet in front of others. Her anxiety, she says, sometimes feels like being underwater “in a deep pool.”
According to Dr. Schekeva Hall, social anxiety disorders are more prevalent in the U.S. than most people realize. Hall explains that social anxiety manifests itself in multiple scenarios, such as in performances or indirect engagement with others. She clarifies what constitutes normal levels of shyness versus a disorder.
Additionally, she states that social anxiety can present itself in physical symptoms and emphasizes getting treatment such as psychotherapy, proper nutrition, and rest. The teens echo this sentiment, having been through therapy themselves. As Natalya says, taking the first step to getting treatment might be difficult, but taking care of one’s mental health is worth it.
This video doesn’t claim to have all the answers concerning social anxiety, but it provides a strong foundation for teaching the subject to young people. A DVD comes with a PDF containing teachers’ resources, student activities, and fact sheets. Recommended. Aud: J, H, P.