"A stranger is just a friend I haven't met yet."
- Will Rogers, Actor
Social Anxiety Therapy
Overcome social anxiety with therapy.
Chris’s Story:
Social Anxiety Therapy
Chris wanted to go out socially more often but worried that people were judging him. It made him feel nervous and very uncomfortable. If he was being honest with himself, he would say it made him feel a little bit afraid. Like people were watching his every move. Participating in groups was especially difficult. Often, Chris made excuses to stay at home. When he did go out – he usually left as soon as possible.
Now that Chris is in therapy for social anxiety with The Happiness Psychologist, he is learning how thoughts and emotions cause social anxiety. He feels more comfortable around others. He has started going out more often and enjoys hanging out with friends and coworkers. These days, when Chris attends social events he feels confident, curious, and connected .
The only thing Chris regrets is that he didn’t seek professional help sooner. He knew his efforts to help himself were not working and that the situation was not going to improve on its own without mental health treatment for social anxiety. If he had gotten help sooner, he wouldn’t have missed out on so many opportunities to form friendships and enjoy events. It took courage to reach out to Dr. Diak for mental health therapy but once he did, being around people, going to social events, and being in groups was so much easier.
Social Anxiety Symptoms and Therapy
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental health condition characterized by intense fear, anxiety, and avoidance of social situations. It affects millions of people worldwide and can significantly impact daily life. In this article, we will discuss the symptoms of social anxiety disorder and the different therapies available to manage it.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder can vary from person to person, and they can range from mild to severe. Some common symptoms include:
Intense fear of social situations
Avoidance of social situations
Fear of being judged or scrutinized by others
Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and blushing
Difficulty speaking or communicating in social situations
Fear of embarrassing oneself in front of others
Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder can be treated with different therapies, depending on the severity of symptoms and personal preferences. Here are some of the most common therapies for social anxiety disorder:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a type of therapy that aims to change negative thought patterns and behaviors. It is often used to treat social anxiety disorder because it can help individuals challenge their negative thoughts and beliefs about social situations. CBT can also teach individuals coping strategies to manage symptoms. (American Psychological Association, 2021)
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy is a type of therapy that involves gradually exposing individuals to social situations that they fear. The goal of exposure therapy is to help individuals build confidence and reduce their anxiety in social situations. Exposure therapy can be done in a controlled environment, such as a therapist's office, or in real-life situations. (National Institute of Mental Health, 2016)
Medication
Medication can be used to manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. Antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications can be prescribed by a doctor to help individuals manage their anxiety symptoms. It is important to note that medication should be used in conjunction with therapy for the best results. Medication for social anxiety commonly is accompanied by undesirable side effects such as fatigue, short-term memory lapses, weight gain, and a feeling of numbness. In addition, if the medication is stopped, unlike with therapeutic solutions, the social anxiety usually returns. (Mayo Clinic, 2018)
Conclusion
Social anxiety disorder can be a debilitating condition, but it is treatable. If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety, it is essential to seek help from a mental health professional. Different therapies are available to manage symptoms, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, and medication. With the right treatment, individuals can learn to manage their anxiety and live a fulfilling life.
References
American Psychological Association. (2021). Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. https://www.apa.org/ptsd-guideline/patients-and-families/cognitive-behavioral
Mayo Clinic. (2018). Social Anxiety Disorder. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353568
National Institute of Mental Health. (2016). Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml
Social Anxiety Test
Are you experiencing symptoms of social anxiety disorder? Take this self-scoring test to find out.
For each question, choose the answer that best describes how often you experience the symptom.
I feel intense fear or anxiety in social situations.
Never (0 points)
Rarely (1 point)
Sometimes (2 points)
Often (3 points)
Always (4 points)
I avoid social situations because of my anxiety.
Never (0 points)
Rarely (1 point)
Sometimes (2 points)
Often (3 points)
Always (4 points)
I worry that others are judging me or scrutinizing my every move.
Never (0 points)
Rarely (1 point)
Sometimes (2 points)
Often (3 points)
Always (4 points)
I experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or blushing in social situations.
Never (0 points)
Rarely (1 point)
Sometimes (2 points)
Often (3 points)
Always (4 points)
I have difficulty speaking or communicating in social situations.
Never (0 points)
Rarely (1 point)
Sometimes (2 points)
Often (3 points)
Always (4 points)
I fear embarrassing myself in front of others.
Never (0 points)
Rarely (1 point)
Sometimes (2 points)
Often (3 points)
Always (4 points)
Add up your total score:
0-5: Mild social anxiety
6-10: Moderate social anxiety
11-15: Severe social anxiety
16-24: Very severe social anxiety
If you scored above 5, it may be helpful to speak with a mental health professional to discuss treatment options.
This test is for screening purposes only and is not diagnostic. Diagnosis of social anxiety disorder requires the expertise of a healthcare professional; such as a psychologist, mental health therapist, or physician.
