Q5: What's the difference between social anxiety and low self-esteem?

Answer: Social anxiety and low self-esteem are related but distinct psychological concepts:

Social Anxiety:

• Definition: Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, involves intense fear or anxiety about social situations where the individual may be scrutinized or judged by others.
• Symptoms: People with social anxiety may experience excessive worry before social events, fear of embarrassing themselves, avoidance of social situations, physical symptoms like sweating or trembling, and difficulty speaking or performing in front of others.
• Focus: Social anxiety is primarily centred around the fear of negative evaluation or judgment from others in social contexts.

Low Self-Esteem:

• Definition: Low self-esteem refers to a negative self-evaluation and a lack of confidence in one's own worth or abilities.
• Symptoms: Individuals with low self-esteem may constantly criticize themselves, have a negative self-image, feel inadequate or incompetent, seek constant validation from others, and have difficulty accepting compliments.
• Focus: Low self-esteem is more about how individuals perceive themselves in terms of their own worth and capabilities, rather than specific fears about social interaction