What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Everyone feels shy and awkward sometimes, especially if we are under the spotlight in situations like public speaking or meeting a new group of people, but for those with Social Anxiety Disorder, most, if not all, social interactions provoke intense anxiety. Let’s explore the symptoms of this disorder, its common treatments, and break the stigma around this oft-misunderstood disorder.
As mentioned earlier, it’s completely normal to experience social anxiety sometimes, worry about how people perceive you, and feel anxious before events like a big presentation. After all, humans are social creatures, and we base our self-esteem in part on how we believe people see us. However, Social Anxiety Disorder goes far beyond shyness. To meet the diagnostic criteria, you must have experienced symptoms for at least 6 months and these symptoms must significantly impair your daily functioning. These symptoms include:
Fear of judgment from others or fear that others will notice that you’re anxious.
Ruminating on social interactions long after they’re over, criticizing yourself for saying something “weird, stupid,” etc.
Hyperfixation on signs that others have a negative perception of you.
Intense anxiety before and during social interactions.
Difficulty making eye contact, speaking assertively, and/or conversing.
Physical symptoms like upset stomach, fast heart rate, blushing, and sweating.
Avoidance of social situations and interactions.
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder usually appear in late childhood and can persist for years or a lifetime if left untreated. This disorder is commonly present with other anxiety disorders, which can compound the problem. Many people with this disorder feel intense anxiety before a social interaction, which leads them to cancel plans. Avoiding the situation negates the anxiety, reinforcing the avoidance behavior and creating a vicious cycle in which the person withdrawals further and further from the social world.
Despite the fact that they experience social anxiety, sufferers of this disorder are still human and need social connectedness to feel fulfilled and supported. The good news is that Social Anxiety Disorder is entirely treatable. Psychiatric medications like antidepressants (treats anxiety) and beta-blockers (treats physical anxiety symptoms like racing heart) are commonly prescribed to those with anxiety disorders. Of course, mental health therapy is the best known treatment. Your therapist will likely use a variety of therapeutic approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). CBT helps correct unhealthy thought patterns that perpetuate social anxiety, Exposure Therapy teaches social skills and guides the client through graded social exercises in a safe space, and ACT uses mindfulness and goal-setting to reduce anxiety.
All these treatments and more can help relieve social anxiety. If you believe you may have Social Anxiety Disorder, call AWC today at (248) 413 - 5865 for an evaluation. Our experienced therapists can help you overcome this painful condition and achieve a fulfilling social life once again.
References
U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Social anxiety disorder: More than just shyness. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness
