Social anxiety is the third largest mental health problem in the world. Millions of people all over the world suffer from this condition every day. It is becoming more prevalent. Some individuals believe that the rise of electronics, the internet, social media and smart phones have greatly increased social anxiety.
Many individuals are unaware that they even have social anxiety. He might just feel awkward or think that others around them are feeling the same way. They might get defensive if somebody around them calls them shy or calls them out on a avoidance behavior. Social anxiety can come to play for so many different reasons. Genetically speaking you can usually see other individuals in your family or extended family that struggle with anxiety in one way or another. There can be an experience that the individual has that enforces the social anxiety. It might be something they did at school that was embarrassing or it can be the thoughts they have in their mind that are telling them that others are judging or don't care about them.
What Are The Symptoms Of Social Anxiety Disorder?
An individual who suffers from social anxiety can look easily distracted. Many will be diagnosed with Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD). Mainly because they are thinking about all the threats in their head, "does this person think I'm weird?" "Is this the right time to raise my hand?" "Did I offend that person?" They also are replaying scenarios in their head over and over again, looking at reactions or replaying something that went wrong in the social interaction. These thoughts and feelings may occur when the following are introduced in their life.
Being introduced to other people
Being teased or criticized
Being the center of attention
Being watched while doing something
Meeting people in authority
Most social encounters, especially with strangers
Going around the room (or table) in a circle and having to say something
Interpersonal relationships, whether friendships or romantic
Do I Need Therapy or Should I Just Wait It Out?
A common misconception that someone who experiences anxiety feels is that this sickness will just go away when they get older. Social anxiety is not a like a common cold. We cannot wait for it to go away. If you feel anxiety, it's likely you'll feel some form of it throughout your life.
If you feel extreme social anxiety make sure to check out the intensive outpatient program.
What Kind of Treatment Should I do?
One of the best treatments for social anxiety is called cognitive behavioral therapy. This means if we can help you learn unhelpful thinking styles and challenge them that you will actually feel differently. Another way is to use what's called exposure and response prevention. This is getting the individual to get out of their comfort zone and essentially face the fears that they are experiencing. They are doing this with meaning and purpose, not to just get through the experience. There are certain ways to do this treatment that can help you feel a lower level of anxiety and less intrusive thoughts that enforce your social anxiety.
Why Choose Me?
I am a counselor for social anxiety in McKinney. I have been practicing for many years. Anxiety related disorders are my specialty. It's not a guessing game of what will work for you in treatment. It's an equation. You just need to know the correct one. Managing social anxiety is very doable. Lets do it together.