Five Years After Lockdown: Nearly three quarters of young people are affected by social anxiety BACP reveals the Shadow of Social Anxiety

• Over half (54%) of the population experiences social anxiety, 16-24-year-olds are hit the hardest, with 72% affected.
• Around one in three (31%) feel more anxious in social situations since the pandemic, rising to 47% in young people (aged 16-24). 
• Emotive art installation featuring a shadow created from everyday objects that represent situations where social anxiety can be experienced, highlighting its impact and how therapy can help. 

As the UK approaches the fifth anniversary of the COVID-19 lockdown, new research from the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) reveals the lasting impact of social anxiety on the nation.

The research of over 2,000 surveyed Brits finds over half (54%) experience social anxiety, with 16-24-year-olds being the hardest hit at 72%. The findings show that of those who’ve experienced social anxiety:

• Nearly two in three (64%) say it has affected their personal and professional lives
• Half (50%) say they’ve struggled to form meaningful relationships
• 47% feel it has impacted their career progression

Despite the widespread impact, one in four (28%) would feel embarrassed or stigmatised seeking therapy for social anxiety.

Social anxiety is an intense fear of social situations and interactions. It’s more than shyness and can affect daily life, as people worry about being judged or embarrassed. This anxiety can occur in settings like social gatherings, group chats, work meetings, or one-on-one conversations, in person or on the phone.

To bring these findings to life, BACP is unveiling an emotive art installation ‘Shadow of Social Anxiety’ in Manchester, featuring a sculpture created from everyday objects that represent situations where social anxiety can be experienced. Items like cinema tickets, wine glasses and mobile phones have been arranged to create an impactful shadow that symbolises the self-isolation and fear of judgement people experiencing with social anxiety often feel. 

To emphasise how therapy can transform perspectives and help manage social anxiety, a ‘therapy lens’ is positioned in front of the installation. This lens minimises the shadow and sculpture, symbolising the clarity and relief that professional help can provide, and encouraging those struggling with social anxiety to seek qualified support.

BACP therapist Louise Tyler comments: “Social anxiety is a common issue that I often encounter in my practice. Often dismissed as ‘just shyness,’ it can have a profound impact on people’s lives.

“It can be helpful to understand that social anxiety, as with other types of anxiety, is an exaggerated version of an evolutionary survival response. In this case, it’s the need to avoid being excluded. Personality and past experiences will moderate or amplify this perfectly normal response. But generally, everyone you see is simply ‘surviving’ the social situation the best way they can. Most people are too focused on themselves to notice what you or others are doing. While some may appear more confident, it doesn’t mean they’re not feeling anxious too. The key is learning to moderate your anxiety, so it doesn’t overwhelm you and that’s where therapy can really help.”

This rise in social isolation has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 lockdown. For example, BACP’s latest research indicates: 

• Over one in three (39%) were happier during lockdown when they didn’t have to socially interact with others
• Around one in three (31%) feel more anxious in social situations since the pandemic, with this rising to 47% in young people (aged 16-24) 
• 32% believe the pandemic has negatively impacted their social skills and ability to communicate

“The pandemic has only exacerbated the experience of social anxiety, with many reporting a significant decline in their confidence and social skills,” says Dr Lisa Morrison Coulthard, BACP’s Director of Professional Standards, Policy and Research.

“As so many continue to navigate the emotional fallout of isolation, we hope this campaign encourages those struggling to seek therapeutic support. Therapy, such as counselling and psychotherapy offers a path forward, equipping individuals with the tools and strategies to modify their perspectives and better cope the overwhelming feelings that social situations can bring, making them more manageable.”

BACP’s ‘Shadow of Social Anxiety’ campaign aims to raise awareness about the impact social anxiety can have on people’s lives and how seeking therapy can help individuals navigate these challenges. By showcasing the emotional weight of social anxiety through a powerful art installation, BACP highlights how therapy with a BACP-registered therapist can provide valuable support in managing anxiety symptoms, shifting perspectives and fostering healthier social interactions. 

This campaign emphasises the importance of taking the first step toward seeking professional help to break free from the shadow of social anxiety and improve overall wellbeing. To find out more about the ‘Shadow of Social Anxiety’ campaign and how therapy can support individuals, visit: www.bacp.co.uk/shadowofsocialanxiety

Author: The Student Pages Team