Can social anxiety cause suicidal thoughts?

Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is a mental health condition that causes an extreme fear of social situations and public interactions. People with this condition worry intensely about being judged and how others perceive them. 

As you might imagine, this can lead to many challenges in a person’s life. Notably, social anxiety disorder can increase a person’s risk for suicide. Anxiety disorders are widespread, affecting 15 million adults in the U.S., and approximately one-third of people with social anxiety disorder report experiencing suicidal ideation. So it’s important to explore this connection. 

By learning more about the relationship between these experiences, you can help keep yourself and others safe. 

The link between suicide and social anxiety

Researchers are still working to understand the link between social anxiety and suicide. Several studies have examined these connected experiences among young people. But adults can be affected too. 

Some of the reasons a person with social anxiety might be at greater risk for suicidality include:

• Feeling like you don’t belong or that you’re a burden to others
• Experiencing loneliness, isolation, and poor community or social support
• Longing to escape painful social anxiety symptoms, like feeling unwanted or like there isn’t anything to look forward to
• Living with another co-occurring mental health condition
• Experiencing childhood trauma 
• Having a close relative, like a sibling or parent, who also experiences suicidality
• Being prone to impulsivity, self-criticism, and neuroticism (a tendency to see things negatively)
• Having imbalances in brain chemicals, specifically serotonin, which regulates mood and impulse control

Managing social anxiety disorder and suicidal thoughts

Left untreated, social anxiety and suicidality can be life threatening. If you’re thinking about hurting yourself or taking your life, know that there are resources available to help keep you safe. You can contact local crisis support organizations or the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. The counselor you speak to will provide free, confidential support and help connect you with local mental health resources. 

Therapy can help you stabilize your mental health and help keep you safe in the future. Depending on your needs, this can take place in an outpatient treatment setting (what most people think of as “going to therapy”). 

But there are times when a person living with social anxiety and active suicidality may need more comprehensive care. In those instances, you may benefit from an intensive outpatient program (IOP), a partial hospitalization program (PHP), or another level of care. There are also several medications that can help treat your social anxiety disorder or other co-occurring mental health conditions. You can talk to your provider about whether this is the right option for you.

Lastly, know that you don’t have to make these treatment decisions alone. When you reach out to a therapist or other crisis responder, they can help you navigate the best options for your needs. Together, you can decide on the best next steps. It might seem overwhelming at first, but know that you’re not alone and there is support available.

Self-management for social anxiety disorder and suicidal thoughts

Once you’ve started treatment to help you manage social anxiety and suicidal thoughts, your provider may recommend practicing some self-management strategies, like those listed below. While these can’t take the place of professional help, they can strengthen your mental health throughout your recovery.

1. Make a safety plan. This is a documented plan to help keep you safe when you experience suicidal thoughts in the future. You and your therapist can work on this together.
2. Practice stress-management techniques. Try to do something every day to keep your stress levels in check. This could include doing a creative hobby, celebrating small victories, or doing whatever brings you a bit of comfort and hope. 
3. Don’t avoid your feelings. It can be tempting to want to silence uncomfortable emotions. Instead, give yourself a set amount of time to feel whatever comes up. Honor those feelings without judging them. 
4. Strengthen your support system. Spend time with friends, family, coworkers, or anyone who makes you feel seen, heard, and valued. You may also find it helpful to join a support group to connect with other people who understand what you’re going through.
5. Monitor your physical health. Keeping your body healthy can help you maintain your mental health. Be sure to get plenty of sleep, eat a balanced diet, and make time for physical activity you enjoy. 
6. Give back. Volunteering for an organization whose mission you support is a great way to feel connected. Giving back can improve your confidence, help you feel appreciated, and provide a meaningful experience.
7. Be mindful of your caffeine and alcohol use. These substances can make your anxiety symptoms worse.

Find care with Rula

Living with untreated social anxiety disorder can negatively affect your life in many ways. It can make it hard to form relationships, leave you feeling isolated, and make you more vulnerable to suicidal thoughts. But know that with the right support, you can manage your symptoms and keep yourself safe. 

With Rula, you can access effective, personalized anxiety treatment via a convenient virtual appointment. To begin, check out our therapist-matching program today. In just a few minutes, you can find a provider who takes your insurance and schedule your first appointment for as soon as tomorrow.

Find a therapist with Rula