Common Signs of Social AnxietyDo you worry so much about others negatively judging you that you have difficulty getting through the day? Do you struggle with feeling especially self-conscious meeting new people, making presentations at work, or other public activities? Do you feel overwhelmed by worry about social situations well in advance? Does wearing a mask and having fewer societal obligations offered some relief from the daily strain of interacting and engaging with others? Does shame or embarrassment hold you back from reaching out for answers? If you answered "yes" to the questions above, you may be experiencing social anxiety. Social anxiety is a real condition. It’s not just “normal anxiety,” but your brain’s threat detection system operating in overdrive. It is important to know that you are not alone in your experience. Perhaps you have never really put a name to your social difficulties. Your struggle deserves attention and support. The more you understand it, the closer you will come to empowerment and recovery. Common Social Anxiety Signs and SymptomsSocial Anxiety Disorder is a common type of anxiety disorder in which a person feels symptoms of anxiety or fear in situations where they may be scrutinized, evaluated or judged by others. It manifests in a broad range of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. These include, but are not limited to the following: Physical Indicators of Social Anxiety
Emotional and Psychological Signs of Social Anxiety
A Perfect Storm of IsolationThese fears can be overpowering, leaving those suffering from social anxiety disorder desperate to avoid people and situations that might trigger painfully self-conscious thoughts and feelings. It may feel like relief in the moment to avoid these triggers, but avoidance reinforces social anxiety over time. It’s not unusual for many people with social anxiety to have difficulty being assertive. If you struggle with social anxiety, you may find criticism (real or perceived) intolerable. Often, without help, your social skills decline as your worries expand. Anxiety about how you might behave, the impression you might leave, and more can create an unproductive cycle of fear, avoidance, and shame. Unaddressed, a social anxiety disorder can lead to increased isolation, damaging self-talk and low self-esteem, and even impair functioning in your personal and professional life. Social anxiety disorder often occurs together with other mental health concerns such as depression, panic disorder, bipolar disorder, agoraphobia, and substance dependence. Severe social anxiety can affect the development of meaningful relationships and emotional growth. The good news is that there are a number of evidence-based treatments for social anxiety. How Therapy Can Help You Manage Your Social AnxietyIf this reflects your experience, you may be wondering how to find some relief. You can start by:
Therapy provides helpful guidance for deeper and more sustainable change. Your therapist can help you:
All of this (and more) takes place in a non-judgmental environment. The confidential one-on-one setting of therapy can become a safe space for those who experience social anxiety. Start Therapy to Reach Your Full PotentialAre you experiencing overwhelming social anxiety that is holding you back from reaching your full potential? Work with one of our therapists can help you overcome social anxiety, feel comfortable in social settings, and create meaningful connections. Anxiety treatment is a specialty at our practice. Begin therapy today by scheduling a free 15-minute phone consultation. Related Blogs
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