Some singles are content with their status, while others are anxious for social dating or long-term relationships. Being single opens a person up to some particular types of anxiety. The problem may be caused by the person's relationship status, or it may be a pre-existing condition that gets in the way of finding a significant other.
Definition
Anxiety is a normal feeling that usually happens when a person faces a scary, challenging or unfamiliar situation, according to the Help Guide self-help website. Both the mind and body gear up to handle the oncoming stress. The person may feel nervous and jittery and have physical symptoms like tense muscles and a fluttery stomach. The effects are usually short-term, but some situations cause chronic anxiety. These often include family turmoil, job stress and financial difficulties.
Causes
Singles often have additional anxiety sources. They may feel pressured by others, or even by themselves, to get into a relationship. Many singles get pressure from family members who believe they should be actively dating. This is stressful if the person is happy being single, and it can be even worse for someone who does want a relationship but is having trouble finding the right person. Singles may also lose some of their support system as friends link up with partners. People without a significant other often feel uncomfortable going out with couples, and friends may have less time to socialize which removes some of their support system. Help Guide explains that friendships and support help people handle anxiety effectively.
Effects
Anxiety sometimes keeps singles from finding potential partners. Social anxiety disorder is an emotional problem that keeps people from going out and interacting with others. The Anxiety Disorders Association of America states that it affects 15 million people. They worry about how they will be perceived and isolate themselves rather than taking the risk of looking foolish. The National Institutes of Health explains that severe cases make sufferers dread any social contact at all. The isolation causes additional stress, especially for people who desire a relationship. They cut themselves off from dating prospects because of the disorder.
Solution
Anxiety can often be treated through self-help techniques. Singles must first pinpoint the cause of the anxiety. Then they can create a plan to address it. For example, a person whose stress comes from family pressure to date can draw boundaries and refuse to discuss the subject. Someone who is anxious about finding a partner for a long-term relationship can find more ways to meet potential partners. A person whose friends are busy with dates can find other social outlets.
Considerations
Some singles have difficulty fighting anxiety on their own. This is especially true when there is an emotional problem like social anxiety disorder. They can often find relief by seeing a counselor or getting medication from a psychiatrist, advises Help Guide. Sometimes a combined approach works best because the medication improves functioning while counseling teaches the person behavioral strategies to deal with stress.
