Fear of attention is common for quite a few people, particularly for those with social anxiety disorder (SAD). Although avoiding the limelight might feel like a good strategy to control your anxiety, in the long run, you are teaching yourself that you can't handle being in the spotlight. Show
Effective treatments and strategies are available that can help you get over your fear of being the center of attention. If your fear is related to social anxiety disorder, getting treatment for your condition is an important step toward overcoming this fear. What Causes Fear of Attention There are a few different factors that can contribute to the fear of being the center of attention. It is often related to social anxiety disorder, but other people can also
experience this fear as well. Social Anxiety DisorderSocial anxiety disorder is characterized by an excessive fear of social situations. Sometimes this involves being afraid of specific social situations, such as speaking or performing in front of other people. In other cases, people fear being around others altogether. People who have this condition often experience an
exaggerated sense of feeling under the spotlight. In other words, they sometimes feel like they are the center of attention, even when they are not. This sense of being constantly scrutinized and found wanting causes people to become self-conscious and often very self-critical. ScopophobiaScopophobia is an extreme and excessive fear of being stared at or looked at. People may experience feelings of discomfort when others look at them to a certain degree, but this phobia is much more intense. People often fear that others are scrutinizing them much more intensely than they
actually are. Those who have scopophobia may have an extreme fear of being the center of attention where they are likely to be looked at by others. Negative ExperiencesNegative experiences can also shape the development of this fear. Bullying and criticism can cause people to become fearful of being noticed and verbally attacked. Being embarrassed in public or during a performance might also contribute to the fear of attention. In order to prevent future discomfort and distress, people may try to avoid any situation that might make them the center of attention. Impact of Fearing Attention
Treatment for Anxiety Treatment for the fear of being the center of attention usually focuses on addressing some of the underlying thoughts that
contribute to feelings of anxiety. In many cases, gradual exposure to attention can also be helpful. Exposure TherapyGradually introducing yourself into situations in which others are focused on you will help you overcome your fears. This process is known as exposure therapy and is usually one part of a cognitive-behavioral treatment program. You can also practice exposures as part of a self-help regimen. The idea is to create a list of feared situations ranging from the least anxiety-provoking to the most anxiety-provoking. Slowly, you progress through the list, staying in each situation long enough to lessen your anxiety and overcome your fears. It is important not to use partial avoidance strategies or safety behaviors when practicing exposures. An example of this would be telling someone your opinion but doing it in a quiet voice that you can't be heard. If you are going to engage in these situations, you need to fully experience the anxiety that arises and then subsides. In addition to practicing in real life, you can also "try out" situations in your imagination. This is a good way to get started and can have an impact on how you handle them in reality. Cognitive Behavioral TherapyThis type of therapy can help you change how you think about situations that make you anxious. You'll learn to identify and challenge the negative thoughts that contribute to your fear. It can also help you develop healthy coping skills. CBT helps people identify and change the irrational beliefs that are often the root of anxiety. This includes negative thoughts about your abilities and feelings of embarrassment about social situations. It can also help you change mistaken beliefs that others are judging you. Studies have found that CBT can be a highly effective treatment for social anxiety. This approach to treatment can also be delivered over the internet via online therapy. This can be a helpful option for people with social anxiety since they may fear speaking to a therapist face-to-face. MedicationMedications may also be prescribed to help address symptoms of anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), benzodiazepines, and beta-blockers are some that are most commonly prescribed for anxiety. Ways to Cope With Being the Center of AttentionIn addition to seeking professional treatment, there are also self-help strategies you can utilize to help you cope with this fear. Such strategies can help you relax and manage your feelings of fear in the moment. Practice Relaxation StrategiesTry some relaxation techniques to help you calm down when you're feeling fear or anxiety. Examples of relaxation strategies include:
Expose Yourself to Your FearsSlowly exposing yourself to attention from others can also be a helpful way to reduce feelings of fear. Doing the things you fear, including making mistakes in social situations, can help show you that the things you fear aren't as serious as you imagined them to be. You can do this by making a list of situations that provoke fear, starting with the smallest and working your way up to the situations that you fear the most. Below is a list of potential items for your fear hierarchy related to being the center of attention. Remember to tailor this list to your particular situation and make sure to order the items so that the easiest ones come first.
If you find that your anxiety is severe or that you are unable to face these types of situations at all, you should consider contacting your doctor or a mental health professional for diagnosis and a treatment plan. Change How You Interpret AnxietyChanging your perspective can also be helpful. This involves reappraising the situation so instead of seeing situations as anxiety-provoking, you see them as exciting opportunities.
A Word From VerywellIt's also important to remember that everyone feels anxiety at times. This is perfectly normal and it doesn't mean there's anything wrong with you. Feeling fear doesn't mean you're weak or flawed. Everyone experiences anxiety in different ways and to different degrees. What matters is how
you manage your fear. Taking steps to address your anxieties over being the center of attention can help ensure that you aren't missing out on important opportunities in life. Frequently Asked Questions
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