Do you often feel anxious with the thought of interacting with people? Or
Do you often avoid attending social events because of the fear of being embarrassed?
Well, if you experience fear or anxiety in interacting with people, you might be dealing with social anxiety. It is commonly reported as the fear and anxiety of being negatively evaluated by other people in social situations. Research indicates that more than 26% of women and 19% of men often report social anxiety and the data is, however, increasing day by day.
Are you experiencing Social Anxiety?
If you think you might be experiencing social anxiety, and are unsure about it. Here are some of the points that can help you identify if you are experiencing social anxiety.
- Avoiding situations where the individual feels they may be the center or focus of attention.
- Fear of being in situations with strangers.
- Difficulty talking to unknown people.
- Anxiety or panic attacks when experiencing the fearful situations.
- Physical symptoms- heart palpitations, dry mouth, excessive sweating, difficulty talking, cold hands and bodily pain.
How can you overcome social anxiety?
Most people often facing social anxiety report themselves in a state of extensive fear and worry about social situations. If you or someone you know are experiencing social anxiety, it’s necessary for you to overcome this state of anxiety before it negatively impacts your mental health. You can overcome your fear by consulting a professional. In this journey, the professional will help you overcome your state of anxiety by helping you transform yourself and become a better version of who you are.
If you believe that you or someone you love suffers from extreme social anxiety, help is available to you.
Your first line of defense is psychotherapy. The most effective therapy for social phobia is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT for social anxiety consists of 12-16 weekly sessions in which you are gradually exposed to triggering situations, while learning relaxation techniques and other coping skills.
Medications may also be helpful in treating extreme social anxiety. At Minderapy, our therapists are trained in the effective use of CBT in treating anxiety. Don’t hesitate to reach out to them for help.
As you embark on your journey of healing social anxiety disorder, don’t give up. There will be good days and bad days as you continue your treatment plan. But remember that healing takes time, and you deserve to feel better.
