The Effects of Social Isolation From The COVID-19 Lockdown on Social Anxiety in Individuals

Abstract

As the world continues its second year of the COVID-19 pandemic with varying degrees of lockdown, not much is known yet about how the extended periods of social isolation have affected individuals. This study used an online survey of individuals with varying levels of social anxiety to find that social isolation from the COVID-19 lockdown exacerbated self-rated social anxiety severity in individuals and led to new problems such as feelings of depression, loneliness, and worse self-esteem. As individuals with social anxiety already struggle to or avoid seeking out help or treatment, these findings have concerning implications for the mental health treatment of individuals with social anxiety after the pandemic.