How to Overcome Social Phobia

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.

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