Overcome Social Anxiety
Social anxiety affects over 10% of the American people it is often also referred to as social phobia. It can manifest itself in many ways from simple shyness at one end of the scale to some sufferers who can be physically sick when in social situations. It is a psychological affliction that can wipe out a persons self esteem and lead to other problems in life such as marriage breakdowns and career difficulties.
It can best be described as a fear of being in social situations that the majority of people would take in their stride. In spite of the condition being one of the more common psychiatric disorders it is still largely a mystery as to why it happens and why it is becoming increasingly prevalent in the population.
Trying to overcome social anxiety is no easy task as it inflicts upon everyday life and everything most people deal with as a normal part of their day such as answering the phone, the ring of the door bell or the thought of going to the mall can bring about feelings of intense fear or worry for those affected.
Sufferers commonly have feelings of apprehension and are concerned that whatever they say or do is going to be wrong and bring attention to themselves, meaning they will be scrutinised by other people and misjudged by them.
Most of us will be anxious at certain times particularly in stressful situations such as an interview for a new job or having to make a speech. To the social anxiety sufferer these tasks would be all but impossible to do.
It is important to try to overcome social anxiety because if unchecked it can develop into a more specific and intense social phobia leading to even more severe feelings of self consciousness for which the attention of psychiatric professionals may be required.
The cause is usually linked to a person’s generic makeup or can be triggered by an unhappy childhood event. In later life it may be brought on by a particularly embarrassing episode or situation. This can lead to the feeling of heightened self conciousness and to a more generalised distrust and loathing of being around other people and increased anxiousness in social circumstances.
Today there are varied methods to help overcome social anxiety, perhaps the most successful are cognitive behaviour techniques available from trained therapists. Books are also available on the subject and you may want to consider some self help offerings such as audio cds and videos. There are many titles available on the subject and medication is available to help overcome social anxiety in the form of antidepresents. Although people may not be depressed as such, this medication works on the chemicals in the brain such as serotonin that may be responsible for anxiety symptoms, these are available on prescription subject to consultation with a doctor.
This article is just a brief introduction to social anxiety problems so please take a look around the website where you will find many more articles and resources to help you to overcome social anxiety.
Paul Leonard 2009
Anyone else go into SA-overdrive in college?
I am currently in my freshman year of college and am now pretty much totally alone. In high school, it was easy to kind of hang out with some people.
Hi. Well, where to start? I guess i should give you an introduction. I’m a 28 (almost 29) year old guy from Sydney, Australia. I’ve had social anxiety/
Is there a medication that can make you more social
I was just curious about that if anyone knows of any, or if you’re taking one and you find that it helps with that problem
My goal – Social Anxiety Forum
This is probably lame, but I’m just beginning to fight this anxiety. Anyway I have set a goal to go to the coffee shop this weekend, and actually go.
I’ve been working with a cognitive behavioral therapist, she gives me assignments to work on, tells me to pay attention to my negative thoughts …
Social Anxiety I’m never entirely sure what to do about initial social interactions. I get nervous when I sense that people are trying to get to know me, probably because I’m worried about making a bad impression. …
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