Social anxiety
Social anxiety, sometimes referred to as social phobia, is a persistent and often overwhelming fear surrounding social situations. It can manifest itself as an extreme form of shyness where the sufferer can experience fear and anxiety when undertaking everyday activities, such as going out in public and speaking on the phone.
What is social anxiety?
People with social anxiety (or social phobia) will worry about social activities before, during and after they take place. This is due to a constant fear they will do or say something wrong that will draw negative attention to themselves, which can become very distressing. Social anxiety sufferers tend to become very self-conscious, frequently feeling judged and “on stage,” contributing to further psychological concerns with serious effects on self-esteem and confidence.
Although not very well understood by the public and even some health care professionals, social anxiety continues to be one of the most common anxiety disorders. This disorder typically develops in the teenage years and as the person who is suffering gets older, they may then find that their symptoms become less, however, social anxiety is not very likely to go away on its own without treatment. If you are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety, it is important to seek help.
signs of Social Anxiety and symptoms
- Worrying about everyday situations (talking on the phone, meeting new people etc)
- Avoiding social activities like group conversations or parties
- Worry about doing something embarrassing (blushing, sweating etc)
- Find it difficult to do things when others may be watching you
- Fear of being criticised, avoiding eye contact
- Feelings of sickness, heart palpitations, sweating or trembling
- Panic attacks
What is the treatment for social anxiety?
It is important to get help if you feel you are suffering from social anxiety because a significant improvement and better-quality living can be achieved with the right support and treatment.
Social anxiety can become so intense that some people cannot work or even leave the house. Some people who suffer from social anxiety can function well in general and it is just a specific fear that gets in the way. Social anxiety is not a situation that someone has to live with. Effective treatment such as CBT can help overcome social anxiety. Everyone has the potential to live their life free from fear.
Guidelines recommend treatment for social anxiety disorder should consist of 15 sessions, over approximately 4 months.
CBT treatment for anxiety will involve some of the following:
- Developing an understanding more about the normal range of bodily feelings that most people experience
- Talking about and considering different interpretations of your experiences
- Working with your thoughts and images
- Experimenting with what happens when you reduce how often you check and seek reassurance
- Deliberately exposing yourself to your worries
Clinicians who specialize in treating Social Anxiety
Take a self-assessment Screening
Complete screening questionnaire and we will connect you with a therapist according to your needs and requirement criteria.
