Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense and irrational fear of social situations. Individuals with this disorder experience significant anxiety and worry in response to social interactions, leading to avoidance of various social activities.

Social Anxiety Triggers:

·        Public Speaking: Speaking or performing in front of a group.

·        Meeting New People: Interacting with strangers or entering new social situations.

·        Being the Center of Attention: Feeling observed or scrutinized.

·        Social Events: Attending parties, gatherings, or social functions.

·        Criticism or Rejection: Fear of negative evaluation or rejection.

·        Performance Situations: Feeling judged at work or in academic settings.

·        Authority Figures: Interacting with figures of authority.

·        Dating or Romantic Interactions: Social situations involving potential romantic interests.

·        Phone Calls or Video Calls: Communicating through phone or video.

·        Eating or Drinking in Public: Fear of being watched or judged while eating or drinking.

How Social Anxiety presents:

·        Physical Symptoms:

·        Sweating and trembling.

·        Nausea or stomach discomfort.

·        Rapid heartbeat or palpitations.

·        Muscle tension or shaky voice.

·        Blushing or feeling lightheaded.

·        Emotional Symptoms:

·        Intense fear or anxiety before a social event.

·        Worrying excessively about potential embarrassment or negative evaluation.

·        Feeling self-conscious and judged by others.

·        Fear of being the center of attention.

·        Behavioral Symptoms:

·        Avoidance of social situations or events.

·        Difficulty making eye contact or engaging in conversation.

·        Preoccupation with perceived social mistakes.

·        Physical signs of nervousness, such as fidgeting.

·        Cognitive Symptoms:

·        Negative self-talk and self-critical thoughts.

·        Catastrophizing, anticipating the worst possible outcomes.

·        Overanalyzing social interactions after they occur.

·        Difficulty concentrating in social situations.

As a therapist, I can help by:

·       Conduct a thorough evaluation to understand the individual's specific triggers and symptoms.

·       Provide information about social anxiety, explaining its nature, causes, and common symptoms.

·       Employ CBT, mindfulness, and cognitive restructuring techniques to identify and challenge negative thought patterns related to social situations.

·       Help individuals develop more balanced and realistic perspectives.

·       Gradually expose individuals to feared social situations in a controlled and supportive environment.

·       Assist in developing coping strategies to manage anxiety during exposure.

·       Teach and practice effective communication and social skills.

·       Introduce mindfulness exercises and relaxation techniques to manage physical symptoms of anxiety.

·       Collaborate on modifying avoidance behaviors and gradually increasing exposure to feared situations.

·       Address any underlying issues contributing to social anxiety.

FAQs

  • In Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for social anxiety, individuals might gradually engage in public speaking or initiating conversations while refraining from avoidance behaviors like fidgeting or leaving early. Attending social events or making phone calls are also common exposures, with individuals practicing staying present without relying on safety behaviors to manage anxiety.

  • In Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for social anxiety, individuals might work with a therapist to identify and challenge irrational thoughts about social situations, such as fear of judgment or embarrassment. They would then learn coping skills, such as relaxation techniques or assertiveness training, to manage anxiety and gradually expose themselves to feared social situations while applying their new coping strategies.

  • Well… That would depend on the person, severity of symptoms, and presentation. What may work for you may not work for someone else. All therapy is individualized to get the best results for the client.

What to do?

Should these encounters resonate with you, an assessment might be advisable. If Social Anxiety Disorder is identified, take comfort in the fact that it is treatable, and enduring lifelong suffering is not inevitable. Evidence suggests that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Mindfulness, and Exposure Therapy are highly effective for anxiety disorders, including Social Anxiety. Collaboratively, we can explore the thinking and behavior patterns perpetuating the anxiety cycle, and work on acquiring new skills to overcome anxiety and actively participate in the world.