When people are excessively self-conscious and overwhelmed by daily social situations, they may have social anxiety disorder - previously known as social phobia. One’s fears of being embarrassed, judged, or watched can be so intense that it interferes with their daily life, social life, and functioning at work.
If left untreated, social anxiety disorder can keep someone from showing up to work or school altogether. Other symptoms of this anxiety disorder include:
Intense anxiety when exposed to social situations
Fears of the potential humiliation or criticism caused by their own behaviors
Avoidance of a feared situation or endurance of it with distress and anxiety
Anxiety or fear that’s persistent and last six months or more
There are also physical symptoms that can include:
Trembling
Nausea or upset stomach
Blushing
Rigid posture
Poor eye contact
Difficulty speaking/Too soft-spoken
Furthermore, suppose someone with social anxiety disorder fears developing these symptoms because they know others can see them. In that case, it can worsen their anxiety, making them more likely to develop them.
Many individuals with social anxiety disorder realize that their fear is excessive, yet they cannot overcome it - at least not on their own. Thankfully, a combination of talk therapy and medication can successfully treat most cases of social anxiety disorder.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and behavioral therapy are common types of therapy for treating social anxiety. There are unique components of CBT, such as exposure therapy, that can explain why it is so effective, even in the most severe cases of social anxiety disorder.
CBT is centered around the goal of identifying irrational thought patterns and beliefs and developing realistic ones. For this reason, CBT helps people with social anxiety disorder address their mistaken beliefs about their self-worth or that others are judging them.
Grande Counseling and Consultant
Jacksonville, Florida
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