Health · Mental Health · 1 day ago
Social anxiety can disrupt students’ studies and relationships
Mary began feeling anxious in social situations as a teenager, and her symptoms became severe enough to lead to depression and a temporary break from school.
At university in Exeter, she avoided group settings and made no friends during her degree.
Social anxiety can involve intense fear and physical symptoms, as well as shame and worry after social encounters.
Feeling shy or nervous sometimes is common, but experts say anxiety becomes a serious concern when it prevents people from taking part in everyday activities.
A University of Chichester study found that more than 20% of university students experienced some form of social anxiety, which was linked with lower grades, poorer relationships and isolation.
Some people try to hide their anxiety by staying quiet, giving short answers or using their phones to avoid interaction.
Mary later continued her studies and began postgraduate study; the article also describes practical ways to improve, but its text ends before giving them.
A University of Chichester study found that more than 20% of university students experience some form of social anxiety during their studies.
The study found links between social anxiety and lower grades, poorer relationships and student isolation.
Mary, whose name is fictional, said social anxiety led her to avoid group settings and make no friends during her undergraduate degree.
She also experienced depression and temporarily had to leave school.
Neil Greening of the UK Social Anxiety Alliance said social anxiety becomes a problem when it prevents people from doing things.
- Who
- University students affected by social anxiety, including Mary, whose name is fictional. Neil Greening, president of the UK Social Anxiety Alliance, also comments.
- What
- Social anxiety can disrupt students’ studies, relationships and social lives.
- When
- The article was published on 10 October 2026. Mary said her anxiety began during adolescence.
- Where
- The study was conducted by the University of Chichester in the UK. Mary attended the University of Exeter in the UK.
- Why
- The sources link social anxiety with lower grades, poorer relationships and isolation. Greening says smartphones and remote work contribute to fewer social interactions and higher anxiety.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
I really didn't make a single friend throughout my entire degree.
I felt I wouldn't fit in and went home.
People think they have personality flaws.
Social anxiety starts when it really stops people from doing things.
Mary began to feel anxious in social situations.
Her anxiety became severe, she developed depression and temporarily left school.
Mary avoided group settings and said she made no friends during her undergraduate degree.
Mary visited a society, felt she would not fit in and went home.
Mary has continued her studies and started a postgraduate course.
- Study
- More than 20% of university students experience some form of social anxiety during their studies.
- Study findings
- Social anxiety was linked with lower grades, poorer relationships and student isolation.
- Lifetime prevalence
- Social anxiety disorder affects up to 12% of people at some point in their lives.
- Mary's age
- 25
- University
- University of Exeter, UK
Sources
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