Social Anxiety Disorder is a condition that can make day-to-day interactions, like going to the store or speaking in public, unbearable. Learn about its causes, symptoms and treatments in this guide.
Social Anxiety Disorder (also known as Social Phobia) is an intense fear of being judged by others or discriminated against in social situations. The anxiety often manifests itself in physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, racing heart and even full-blown panic attacks. It can be daunting to diagnose and treat, but there are steps you can take to better manage the disorder.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder is a condition characterized by an intense fear of being judged or scrutinized by other people in social settings. It’s more than just feeling shy or self-conscious – it can cause intense physical and emotional symptoms that interfere with everyday activities. People with this disorder may try to avoid any situation that may require talking or interacting in front of others, such as public speaking, attending meetings, or riding the bus.
Causes of Social Anxiety Disorder:
There are many different theories about the causes of social anxiety disorder. It may be caused by a combination of environmental, genetic, and psychological factors. Possible environmental triggers include abuse, bullying, or other traumas. Certain biological factors can also contribute to Social Anxiety Disorder, such as an imbalance in brain chemicals or an overactive fear response system. Finally, negative thoughts and beliefs about oneself may increase symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder:
Common symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder include feeling intensely anxious or panicked in social situations, avoiding social situations altogether, difficulty speaking or performing in front of people, fear of being judged negatively by others, and physical symptoms such as trembling, sweating, blushing and nausea.
Coping Strategies for Dealing with Social Anxiety Disorder:
For those suffering from a social anxiety disorder, developing and practising coping strategies is essential. This could involve learning to reframe negative thoughts, taking steps to reduce stress, challenging negative beliefs and developing supportive relationships with family and friends who can provide reassurance in difficult times. Additionally, it is important to create an action plan of what to do when faced with an anxious situation such as avoiding alcohol or drugs and engaging in calming activities prior to the event.
It is also important to manage our relationship with technology, as the reliance on social media and online communication can feed our existing insecurities. Putting boundaries in place and minimising exposure to negative influences is essential, as well as setting aside times for self-care and personal growth that get us out of our comfort zone and help us become more confident. Engaging in activities such as yoga or therapy can be helpful in developing healthy coping strategies while seeking professional help if needed can promote a sense of acceptance and understanding of oneself.
Treatment Options for Social Anxiety Disorder:
Treatment options for social anxiety disorder include psychotherapy, such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medications such as antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications, and lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise. CBT focuses on helping a person identify their irrational thoughts and beliefs about social situations, and challenge them with the goal of replacing the negative thoughts with more neutral or positive ones. Additionally, medications can help reduce some associated symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
In addition to psychotherapy and medications, lifestyle changes can also help. Eating a healthy diet and engaging in regular physical activity are good ways to manage your anxiety symptoms. Exercise can help reduce some symptoms of anxiety such as tension, fatigue, difficulty concentrating and overall feeling overwhelmed. Additionally, avoiding caffeine and other stimulants that may exacerbate anxiety is recommended by medical professionals. Seeking support from family or friends and allowing those closest to you to understand what’s going on with you can also provide additional emotional support for managing social anxiety disorder.
