What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
It's the first day of your new school, you might be a little intimidated because you don’t know anyone and want to make a good impression on the people around you. It's typical to initially experience some anxiety or apprehension. After a while, you probably won't feel as anxious because you’ll get used to the school. Yet for some people, that initial level of anxiety is really intense and lasts for quite some time. This feeling is known as a social anxiety disorder (SAD), the extreme fear of social situations. Sufferers of social anxiety find it extremely difficult to interact with others, often feeling very shy, self-conscious, and anxious.
Causes
Although there is no clear cause of social anxiety, there are many factors that can contribute to SAD. According to Bridges to Recovery Beverly Hills, research has shown a connection between negative parenting styles to SAD. Another plausible cause is your genetics. Social anxiety can run in families, but it's questionable whether this is due to genetics or learned behavior.
Symptoms
Symptoms of SAD can vary from person to person, but typically include extreme shyness, feeling isolated from others, and avoiding social interactions. Another symptom may be worrying about their physical symptoms, and how they look to others. Are they blushing, talking in a shaky voice, trembling? This worrying can be so severe that it can lead to something called derealization, a condition in which they become disoriented and less able to recognize their surroundings, as a result of their excessive concern. Some people try to use drugs and alcohol to lessen their anxiety, which can ultimately lead to addiction and dependence.
Triggers
There are numerous things that can trigger one’s social anxiety, people with social anxiety often do not experience anxiety in every social situation. Some of the most common triggers are as follows:
Interacting with new people
Dating
Parties (especially attending alone)
Large gatherings where not everyone is acquainted
Phone conversations, especially with strangers
Being observed while completing a task that is new or unfamiliar
Being asked to speak in front of a group of individuals
Therapy sessions (some people with social anxiety have a hard time opening up to others)
Preventing SAD
There are ways to manage social anxiety disorder and improve your life significantly. The first step is to be proactive in managing symptoms. This means knowing what's causing your anxiety and taking steps to prevent it from becoming a problem. If self-help measures don't work, then seek professional help. Counseling can provide you with the support and guidance you need to overcome social anxiety. Additionally, practicing stress-relieving techniques like yoga or meditation on a daily basis can help you manage anxiety symptoms and live a more anxiety-free life. Finally, one of the best ways to prevent social anxiety disorder is to identify and understand your triggers. Once you know what sets off your symptoms, you can take steps to avoid them.
Treatments/Cures
There is no one-size-fits-all treatment for SAD, as it depends on the person's needs. However, there are a variety of therapies that can be very effective in reducing symptoms. Some of these treatments include medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), and social-skills training. CBT is considered as the gold standard treatment for social anxiety disorder and has been found to be very effective in reducing symptoms. The best part is that there are a variety of treatments available that are tailored to the individual's needs. So, whether you're looking for a short-term solution or a long-term treatment, there is definitely something that will work best for you. By learning more about social anxiety disorder symptoms, you can start to identify symptoms in yourself and seek out support.
References
Bridges to Recovery. “Causes of Social Anxiety –.” Bridges to Recovery, 10 Oct. 2020,
www.bridgestorecovery.com/social-anxiety/causes-social-anxiety.
Osmosis. “Social Anxiety Disorder - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology.” YouTube,
uploaded by Osmosis, 18 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?
v=QLjPrNe63kk&feature=youtu.be.
Osmosis. “Social Anxiety Disorder - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology.” YouTube,
uploaded by Osmosis, 18 Oct. 2017, www.youtube.com/watch?
v=QLjPrNe63kk&feature=youtu.be.
“Talk Therapy – Not Medication – Best for Social Anxiety Disorder, Large Study Finds.” Johns
Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, 25 Sept. 2014, publichealth.jhu.edu/2014/talk-
therapy-not-medication-best-for-social-anxiety-disorder-large-study-finds.
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