How to Overcome Social Phobia
Some people experience intense anxiety in social situations,
making it difficult to interact with others, make new friends, and form bonds.
Social anxiety can be treated with a variety of psychotherapies.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in
which people struggle to be in front of others in group settings. Social
anxiety is a form of social phobia, a strong fear that can cause a racing
heart, sweaty palms, and even panic attacks. Social anxiety can appear at
various stages of life, including childhood, adolescence, and adulthood.
According to National Institute of Mental Health research, social anxiety
affects about 12% of adults in the United States.
Social anxiety can make life more difficult. People who
suffer from social anxiety may avoid situations because stress can have both
emotional and physical consequences. Social anxiety can lead to more severe
panic disorders and negative thoughts, but it can be treated with a variety of
therapies.
Social Anxiety vs. Shyness
Distinguishing a social disorder from shyness can be
difficult. Shy people are more likely to have social anxiety, but not all shy
people have social anxiety. Shyness may be related to introversion, but it can
also exist independently as a personality trait. Some people can be shy while
still being socially competent. Shy people may be at ease in social situations,
but they prefer to listen rather than participate.
Shy people, on the other hand, can experience social
anxiety: they may lack confidence in social situations due to low self-esteem,
negative social experiences, or other factors. Shy people and those suffering
from social anxiety may seek refuge in familiar surroundings with family
members or loved ones.
3 Causes of Social Anxiety
Among the emotional and physical causes of social anxiety
are:
1. Environmental factors: Overprotective parents, a lack of
proximity to peers your age, and even genetics can all contribute to social
anxiety.
2. Limited interactions: If parents raise their children in
social isolation, it may impair their social ability and increase their anxiety
because they are in an unfamiliar situation.
3. Negative experiences: Being the target of a joke or
feeling small during socialization can discourage a person from participating
in future social interactions.
The Impact of Social Anxiety
Social anxiety can have negative consequences. Those who
suffer from it may have difficulty making friends, particularly in new
situations. Physical symptoms of social anxiety include heart palpitations,
nausea, and sweating. Social anxiety can make people feel self-conscious in
social situations, lowering their sense of self and confidence. These emotions
can have more serious consequences, such as difficulty interviewing for jobs,
trying out new activities, or going on dates with potential romantic partners.
4 Social Anxiety Symptoms
Among the symptoms of social anxiety disorder are:
1. Blushing: As a symptom of general discomfort, those
suffering from social anxiety may experience flushing of the cheeks and
reddening of other parts of the body.
2. Self-doubt: If you are socially anxious, you may
experience self-doubt during social interactions because you feel unworthy of
the company of others. To combat those destructive feelings, surround yourself
with people who appreciate you.
3. Trembling: Another physical manifestation of social
anxiety is shaking; hands, feet, knees, and other body parts may gently quake
to indicate discomfort.
4. Nausea: People who suffer from social anxiety may
experience nausea while socializing.
How to Overcome Social Anxiety
There are a few treatment options available to help people
overcome their social anxiety. You can:
Participate in brief social interactions. Begin small and
socialize with small groups of familiar people before gradually raising the
stakes by mixing with people you know and strangers. You can work on your
social skills.
Seek out a support group. Group therapy led by health care
professionals can alleviate social anxiety symptoms and teach participants how
to overcome their fear of social situations in a safe environment. People may
engage in small talk to boost low self-esteem and practice public speaking in a
supportive environment.
Seek professional assistance. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
(CBT) is a psychosocial intervention in which mental health professionals work
with patients to teach them self-blame-reduction techniques. Medications such
as antidepressants may also be prescribed by therapists.