Fear of shaking in public: why it appears and how to solve it

The fear of shaking in public is a problem for many people.. Although we usually intuitively link this phenomenon with shyness or insecurity, the reality is a bit more complex. Let's see why some people shake when speaking in public and what can be done about it to fix it.

• Related article: "The 10 keys to overcome shyness once and for all"

Differences between introversion, shyness and social phobia

First of all, it should be noted that social phobia is not the same as shyness or introversion.

Introversion has to do with a person's temperament. When a person is an introvert, he likes to be in quiet areas, with few people, he needs solitude more than extroverts and it consumes them energy being in places with too much stimulation or people, so, although they like and need social contact, it tires them more and they need it dose. Besides, when they are in social events, they tend to be more observant and quiet.

On the other hand, shyness is the feeling of insecurity or shame that people feel in certain situations, especially social or new ones. It can make it difficult for the person to be exposed to these situations and to have conversations or meet people. In addition, it usually entails a certain degree of anxiety, which differentiates it from introversion.

A person can be introverted and not shy, they can prefer to be with small groups, but not because the idea of ​​being with people makes them anxious, but because they prefer it.

As for social phobia, this is about the intense fear of possible evaluation by others. There is the fear of being evaluated negatively or of being exposed for some reason; generally, because they can notice the physiological symptoms of that anxiety. It is very similar to shyness, but it is usually much more disabling, more extreme, and tends to manifest itself more putatively.

• You may be interested in: "What is anxiety: how to recognize it and what to do"

Anxiety Tremors: Why Do They Happen?

Once this distinction has been made, we are going to focus on a particular aspect, tremors and the fear that they will be perceived. We generally know the fear of speaking in public and we know of people who are afraid of sweating, turning red... but something that we also usually do when faced with situations in which we feel anxious, whether due to shyness, social phobia or simple nerves, it is tremble. And this is, for some people, a real problem, especially when these tremors occur in a person who suffers from social phobia.

these tremors They tend to occur more on the extremities, because when faced with situations that we consider threatening, the brain orders blood to be sent and energy to the arms and legs so that they prepare for the typical “fight and/or fight” responses. flight". Well, there are people who, when faced with certain situations in which they feel evaluated, such as a test in a job in which they need to use their hands (in a supermarket, laboratory, hairdressers...), they have to go to the psychologist because they consider that this tremor is beyond them and they will not be able to carry it out, and the same can happen with the legs.

At first, trembling in these situations may be "normal"; as we have commented, It is a physiological reaction of anxiety, and anxiety is to some degree adaptive.

The problem can occur when we are too aware of whether or not we are going to shake. In these cases we have anticipatory anxiety, that is, we are previously worried about it, we avoid situations in which we can tremble and we feel bad about it. this tremor, which can also last longer or be more intense in people who are more aware of this tremor and, therefore, feel a greater anxiety.

Treatment: how to solve this problem?

The fear of shaking in public can become a serious problem. both personally and professionally.

First, it is essential to understand the mechanism of the autonomic nervous system and anxiety. Understand that shaking like this, like other physiological changes in our body, is completely normal, and that these phenomena do not last very long. If we do not avoid or abandon these situations, we will be able to verify it.

But, when this involves a problem that causes suffering or limits the person, it is recommended to go to therapy, so that the psychologist offers you all the necessary tools to eliminate this excessive concern.

At the "Mariva Psicólogos" clinic we are specialists in the treatment of social phobia and anxiety in all its manifestations. You can contact the team by clicking here.