Do you dread being in social situations?  Do you have severe physical and emotional reactions when you know you have to interact in a group, and want to know more about social anxiety?

Defining Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder symptoms can vary. Some individuals may only suffer from a singular fear, such as eating, drinking, speaking, or writing when others are around or watching. Some people have a fear of using a public restroom. Others are fearful in all social situations and never feel comfortable around others.  There is often an intense fear of being embarrassed in public.

What Does Social Anxiety Look Like?

The normal daily activities that most people take for granted are so horrifying and worrisome it can be physically debilitating. This illness can cause people to miss work or school if they fear they will have to get up and be seen or noticed. Many people with social phobia may have problems with relationships and can find it very difficult to meet and keep friends. Even when a person has friends, they may not be able to enjoy going out with them or being with them in large crowds of people who might be less well known.

The most common symptoms of social anxiety are:

• Blushing or turning red
• Profuse sweating
• Trembling when approached or spoken to
• Nausea and vomiting
• Difficulty talking or finding words

How Common Is Social Anxiety?

This disorder affects approximately 5.3 million American adults with men and women being affected equally. Social phobia usually starts to develop in childhood or the early teens. There is belief that social anxiety disorder can also be hereditary so if a family member has it you are at a higher risk of developing it. 

Treatment Options

Because of the nature and the severity of the anxiety people with this disorder have a higher risk of self-medicating with drugs and alcohol to try to relax and calm down. This only leads to worse problems and possibly addiction.  Counseling can be very helpful in dealing with social anxiety. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy is one method that can help you to identify and challenge the thoughts that are causing you to panic.  

Available Resources:

• Click here to download a free worksheet exploring social anxiety.
• Curious about your symptoms?  Take an unofficial social anxiety screening to see how you score.  (This is not professional advice.  Contact one of our counselors if you have serious concerns.)
• Interested in making an appointment to learn tools to ease your symptoms? Contact us at Front.office@counselingalliance.com