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Overcome Social Anxiety and Reclaim Your Life 

Overcome Social Anxiety and Reclaim Your Life 

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Most of us experience moments of shyness, especially when in social settings with new people. But for some, interacting with others or being out in public can be an intensely frightening experience that can make life less enjoyable.  

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a condition characterized by a persistent fear of social situations that can have a debilitating effect on one’s social life, career, and overall well-being. People with social anxiety may be afraid of public speaking, eating in front of others, using public restrooms, or even making eye contact. They may experience physiological symptoms such as sweating, blushing, and trembling, which can increase their anxiety and make them feel self-conscious.

In this blog post, we’ll explore social anxiety, what types of people are most prone to it, symptoms to look out for, and treatments available to help manage its impact so those affected can enjoy a happier, more comfortable life.

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What is social anxiety?

Social anxiety, as defined in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5), is a persistent fear of social situations where the individual feels scrutiny, potential rejection, and humiliation. It involves a desire for avoidance, leading to difficulty performing social and occupational tasks. 

Social anxiety differs from shyness in the intensity of worry of rejection and embarrassment in social situations. As such, it can have a significant negative impact on one's daily life, career, and personal relationships. For example, someone with the condition may worry about a social event for weeks and even months leading up to it, losing sleep, and potentially experiencing physical reactions of anxiety

Common social anxiety disorder symptoms

Social anxiety disorder symptoms typically involve intense fear and anxiety in social situations, which can lead to avoidance behaviors. Examples include a fear of speaking in public, attending social gatherings, eating in public, and being the center of attention. 

Physiological symptoms like sweating, blushing, trembling, and palpitations may also accompany social anxiety. Cognitive symptoms include intense fear of judgment or criticism, overanalyzing past social interactions, negative self-talk, and catastrophic thinking about potential social outcomes.

Those affected may avoid eye contact, speak softly or hesitantly, or have difficulty initiating or maintaining conversations. For this reason, it’s common for those with social anxiety to escape or avoid social situations altogether. 

Who is prone to social anxiety disorder?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), 12.1% of American adults experience social anxiety at some point in their lives. It can affect anyone regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity, but it often begins during the teenage years. People who are shy, introverted, perfectionists, and those who have experienced some negative social situations such as bullying or rejection are more prone to social anxiety disorder. It's not uncommon for children to develop social anxiety disorders when a family member is similarly affected. 

Treating social anxiety disorder

If left untreated, social anxiety disorder can inhibit one’s growth and life trajectory. Negative impacts may include:

  • Impaired academic and professional performance
  • Limited career opportunities due to avoidance of networking or public speaking
  • Strained interpersonal relationships
  • Increased risk of developing other mental health disorders, such as depression or substance abuse

Fortunately, several treatments can manage the impact of social anxiety disorder. The most effective treatments involve a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and medication.

CBT is a therapeutic intervention that aims to change negative thought patterns characterized by social anxiety disorder. This therapeutic modality centers on identifying and correcting those thoughts, which can lead to more rational, positive emotions and responses. 

In some cases, anti-anxiety medication may be prescribed to complement therapy. Additionally, antidepressants can be useful when social anxiety disorder is severe, and beta-blockers can help relieve performance anxiety by controlling physical symptoms like shaking, sweating, and rapid heartbeat. All medication treatment should be done under the supervision of a responsible, licensed prescriber.

Additional treatments such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, gradual exposure to triggering situations, and other self-care techniques can also help reduce anxiety levels and improve symptoms.

Reclaim your life with professional support

Social anxiety is a common mental health condition that can affect people of all ages, but there is help and hope. Professional therapy can help you identify your triggers and manage symptoms so you can live a life free of the fear of social interaction. And combining therapy with supervised medication may be just the thing you need to reclaim your life. 

Click to start online therapy with a credentialed mental health professional from Cerebral. 

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