It’s normal to feel anxious in social situations from time to time, but for some people, social anxiety involves constant fear and worry about social situations. Social anxiety can manifest itself in many ways and is not easy to deal with on your own. If left unaddressed, social anxiety can lead to isolation and an increased risk for depression and other mental health conditions.
At Northpoint Recovery, our team understands how difficult it can be to break out of your shell and overcome the fear that social anxiety can bring. Our anxiety treatment programs are designed to help you address the root causes of your fears and work to overcome them little by little. For more information, reach out to our team of treatment experts today at 888.687.8014.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is a common psychological disorder characterized by an intense fear of social situations. People with social anxiety often feel overly self-conscious and worried about being judged or rejected by others. In social situations, individuals with social anxiety may become overwhelmed with feelings of panic and dread. These feelings can lead to physical symptoms such as a racing heart, nausea, dizziness, and sweating.
When people think of social anxiety, they often envision someone too afraid to speak in public or at social events. While this is one example of social anxiety, the disorder can manifest in many different ways. People with social anxiety may be afraid to go to the store or eat in public. They may also avoid joining clubs or activities because they fear being judged by their peers. Social interaction triggers a fight-or-flight response in those affected by social anxiety—their body goes into survival mode, and they are flooded with overwhelming fears and worries that can prevent them from participating in everyday activities.
Social Anxiety Symptoms
Common symptoms associated with a social anxiety disorder include:
- Avoidance behavior
- Difficulty speaking or making eye contact
- Increased heart rate during social interactions
- Excessive worry about how one will perform in certain social settings
- Assuming others are judging them negatively
- Feeling embarrassed or humiliated easily
- Feeling extremely anxious while interacting with strangers
Social Anxiety Treatment Options
Treatment for social anxiety typically involves therapy and medication prescribed by a doctor. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common psychotherapy used to help reduce symptoms associated with social phobia and enables individuals to engage in social interactions more comfortably.
CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and improving the self-talk that can be so negative in those who suffer from social anxiety. Over time, this therapeutic approach can help reduce the severity of physical responses such as increased heart rate or shaking hands during conversations. Medication interventions such as antidepressants have also been found to be
effective in reducing symptoms associated with social phobia. Still, they should only be taken after consulting your physician, as side effects vary greatly among individuals depending on age, weight, and overall health status.
Improving Self-Esteem With Northpoint Recovery Anxiety Treatment
Taking steps toward managing your social fears can be difficult. Still, each small attempt at growth will eventually lead you toward a more comfortable level of functioning when interacting with other people. Finding support through friends who understand your struggles can create a safe environment where you don’t have to feel ashamed talking about your experiences related to a social phobia—building meaningful relationships is essential for recovery from any mental illness or condition, including social anxiety disorder.
If you or a loved one are seeking assistance with a social anxiety issue, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. Our friendly and compassionate team of experts is here to help you get the help you deserve. Contact us today at 888.687.8014 to learn more.