Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder, also known as social phobia, is a common mental health condition characterized by intense and irrational fears of social situations. People with social anxiety often experience debilitating self-consciousness and fear of judgment, making everyday social interactions challenging.
Common symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder may include:
Intense Fear of Social Situations: Individuals with social anxiety have an overwhelming fear of social interactions, especially those involving unfamiliar people or public speaking.
Physical Symptoms: Anxiety in social situations can lead to physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, blushing, or a racing heart.
Excessive Self-Consciousness: People with social anxiety often worry excessively about being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social settings.
Avoidance Behaviors: To avoid the discomfort of social situations, individuals with social anxiety may engage in avoidance behaviors, which can limit their daily activities and opportunities.
Performance Anxiety: Specific situations, such as public speaking, may trigger intense performance anxiety, causing panic attacks or extreme distress.
Negative Self-Perception: Socially anxious individuals often have a negative self-image and may believe that they are unlikable or inferior to others.
Seek professional support if:
social anxiety significantly interferes with daily activities, work, or relationships.
if avoidance behaviors are limiting your opportunities or causing distress.
if physical symptoms, such as panic attacks, are a regular part of social situations.
What to expect from therapy?
In therapy, you can expect to:
have gradual exposure to anxiety-provoking social situations to reduce avoidance behaviors and desensitize the individual to their fears.
identify and change negative thought patterns related to social situations.
develop social skills, communication strategies, and assertiveness.
learn relaxation exercises, deep breathing, and mindfulness to help manage anxiety in social settings.
build self-confidence and a more positive self-image.
Different counseling models used for Social Anxiety Disorder include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Exposure Therapy
Group Therapy