Social anxiety often triggers a freeze response similar to animals sensing danger. Muscles tense, speech slows, and gestures vanish as the body prepares to “avoid” perceived threats.
This shows how social anxiety is not just psychological but involves real physical reactions.
Understanding this can help sufferers realize they are not “awkward” but physiologically responding to fear.
Did you know some people with social anxiety literally freeze like a statue in social situations.
[Anxiety and Depression Association of America, adaa.org]