We鈥檝e unveiled an emotive art installation featuring a sculpture created from everyday objects that represent situations that increase feelings of social anxiety.

It鈥檚 part of our Shadow of social anxiety campaign to highlight the issues faced by people with social anxiety and explain how support from a registered, qualified therapist can help.

The sculpture, housed at the Manchester Design and Craft Centre, includes items like cinema tickets, wine glasses and mobile phones. These are arranged to create an impactful shadow that symbolises the self-isolation and fear of judgement people experiencing social anxiety often feel.

Demonstrating the positive impact of therapy

People will be able to look through a 鈥榯herapy lens鈥�, positioned in front of the installation, showing how therapy can transform perspectives and help reduce feelings of social anxiety.

Our member Louise Tyler said: 鈥淪ocial anxiety is one of the most common issues I encounter in my practice. Often dismissed as 鈥榡ust shyness,鈥� it can have a profound impact on people鈥檚 lives."

"Make peace with your social anxiety. Everyone you see is simply 鈥榮urviving鈥� the social situation the best way they can. Most people are too focused on themselves to notice what you or others are doing.

"While some may appear more confident, it doesn鈥檛 mean they鈥檙e not feeling anxious too. The key is learning to quiet your anxiety, so it doesn鈥檛 overwhelm you and that's where therapy can really help."

We've shared the campaign with media outlets and journalists.

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Impact of lockdowns, five years on

Our research1, of more than 2,000 people in the UK, found more than half (54%) experience social anxiety, with 16 to 24-year-olds being the hardest hit (72%).

It also appears that the rise in social anxiety and isolation has been exacerbated by the Covid lockdowns (the first of which started five years ago this month) as the research also revealed:

  • Over one in three (39%) were happier during lockdown when they didn鈥檛 have to socially interact with others
  • Around one in three (31%) feel more anxious in social situations since the pandemic, with this rising to 47% in young people (aged 16 to 24)
  • 32% believe the pandemic has negatively impacted their social skills and ability to communicate

鈥淭he pandemic has only exacerbated the experience of social anxiety, with many reporting a significant decline in their confidence and social skills,鈥� says Dr Lisa Morrison Coulthard, our Director of Professional Standards, Policy and Research.

鈥淎s so many continue to navigate the emotional fallout of isolation, we hope this campaign encourages those struggling to seek therapeutic support.

"Therapy, such as counselling and psychotherapy offers a path forward, equipping individuals with the tools and strategies to modify their perspectives and better cope the overwhelming feelings that social situations can bring, making them more manageable.鈥�

By showcasing the emotional weight of social anxiety through a powerful art installation, we're highlighting the ways therapy with a 麻豆原创-registered therapist can provide valuable support in managing anxiety symptoms, shifting perspectives and healthier social interactions.

References

1 The research was conducted by Censuswide, among a sample of 2,000 nationally representative UK general consumers. The data was collected between 17.02.2025-19.02.2025. Censuswide abides by and employs members of the Market Research Society and follows the MRS code of conduct and ESOMAR principles. Censuswide is also a member of the British Polling Council.