Unit 2
Social anxiety symptoms often begin during adolescence. It's a developmental process that is 1) characterized by profound psychological changes, especially in terms of how we relate to others. One of the most frustrating 2) aspects of the adolescent years is the tendency for self-focus and a decrease in the 3) amount of focus we have for the feelings and needs of others. While these changes are fairly universal, those of us who were born with a shy temperament (性格) can carry the adolescent fears, which may never 4) recede, into adulthood. An anxious temperament causes our brains to react forcibly when 5) exposed to the stress of sudden awareness of our peers and gradually we become more and more vulnerable. Our brains label the fear of exposure or embarrassment as highly dangerous. This may result in a(n)6) vicious circle for many years: excessive self-consciousness and inhibition when you feel you are being observed. To cope with the problem, I would like to 7) challenge you to strive for increased focus on other people, in place of your 8) excessive focus on yourself. Yes, I know, this is easier said than done. The fear may cause you to feel that you will lose control or make a fool of yourself when you are in the spotlight (聚光灯). But if you begin to build a new response, in 9) reaction to your fears, you will gradually build up a stronger and more positive response. Remember, don't let self-consciousness 10) paralyze you! Be courageous!
社交焦虑症状通常始于青春期。这是一个以深刻的心理变化为特征的发展过程，特别是在我们与他人交往的过程中。青少年时期最令人沮丧的一个方面是自我专注的倾向，以及我们对他人的感情和需求的关注程度有所下降。虽然这些变化是相当普遍的，我们这些人天生有一种害羞的气质（性格）可以把青少年的恐惧，这可能永远不会退去，到成年。焦虑的性格会使我们的大脑在突然意识到同龄人的压力时做出强有力的反应，渐渐地我们变得越来越脆弱。我们的大脑把暴露或尴尬的恐惧视为高度危险。这可能会导致多年来的恶性循环：当你感到被观察时过度的自我意识和抑制。为了应付这个问题，我想挑战你，努力把注意力集中在别人身上，而不是过分关注自己。是的，我知道，说起来容易做起来难。恐惧会使你觉得你会失去控制或出丑的当你在聚光灯下（聚光灯）。但是，如果你开始建立一个新的回应，对你的恐惧做出反应，你会逐渐建立一个更强大和更积极的反应。记住，不要让你的自我意识麻痹！要勇敢！