SURVIVING THE SOCIAL HOUR

Nick Jonas' Golden Globes moment of stepping aside to manage social anxiety sparked a wider conversation. Here are some science-backed ways to cope better

- Akshita Prakash

Ever been in a social situation when you constantly worry about being judged, embarrassed, or saying the 'wrong' thing? Your heart races, chest tightens and breathing becomes shallow. These are some clear symptoms of social anxiety.

Recently, singer-actor Nick Jonas' brief step away from the Golden Globes brought back this subject on the surface. After a short clip of him stepping out of the venue circulated on social media, a fan suggested that he may have been dealing with social anxiety, which Nick later confirmed. (see inset) Previously, multiple celebrities, including Anushka Sharma, Alia Bhatt, Khloé Kardashian, and Karan Johar, have also opened up about having social anxiety.

THE COPING MECHANISMS

Though social anxiety can take many forms, including intense fear of judgment, leading to avoidance, physical symptoms, cognitive distress, and behavioural changes, management of social anxiety requires more than simply pushing through discomfort or forcing confidence. Here are some simple, easy and expert-approved methods to manage social anxiety

WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY? HOW COMMON IS IT?