Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the United States, affecting 40 million adults. That’s nearly 1 in 5 people! Anxiety can manifest in many different ways, from generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) to social anxiety disorder (SAD) to specific phobias. Symptoms of anxiety can include excessive worry, racing thoughts, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, irritability, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
Despite being so common, anxiety is often misunderstood and underestimated. Too often, people with anxiety are told to “just relax” or “stop worrying so much.” Anxiety is a real and serious condition that can’t be treated through words of comfort or telling someone to relax. If you suffer from anxiety, know that you’re not alone—help is available.
There are various ways you can deal with your anxiety. This article will specifically cover social anxiety, what it is, and what you can do about it.
Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged by others or embarrassing oneself. This fear can lead to avoidance of social situations and severe anxiety when around other people. It affects more than 15 million Americans and is considered one of the most common mental disorders in the US.
People with SAD often worry for days or weeks leading up to a social event. Symptoms can include feeling nauseous or sick to one’s stomach, shaking, sweating, blushing, and feeling dizzy.
These people often have low self-esteem and feel like they are not good enough. They may also feel like everyone is watching and judging them. This can lead to isolation and loneliness.
Some of these people can develop other mental disorders in the long run. For example, people with SAD can develop depression, eating disorders, or substance abuse problems.
The good news is that social anxiety can be treated. Treatment options include therapy, medication, and self-help strategies.
Psychological Interventions
Psychological interventions play a significant role in the treatment of social anxiety disorder. These interventions can help people understand their thoughts and feelings about social situations, learn new coping skills, and change how they think about themselves. The most common psychological intervention for SAD is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that helps you identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors. CBT is an effective treatment for social anxiety.
Interpersonal Therapy
Interpersonal therapy (IPT) is a type of therapy that focuses on relationships and how they may be affecting your mental health. It can help you understand and change how you interact with others. For example, IPT is effective in treating social anxiety.
Combining these two therapies is the most effective in treating social anxiety disorder.
Medication
Various types of medication can be used to treat social anxiety disorder. The most common type of medication is antidepressants. Antidepressants are a class of medication that can help to reduce anxiety and improve mood.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant often used to treat social anxiety disorder. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is involved in mood and anxiety. Examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and paroxetine (Paxil).
Benzodiazepines are a type of medication often used to treat all sorts of anxiety disorders. Benzodiazepines work by increasing levels of a neurotransmitter called GABA in the brain. GABA is involved in calming the brain and reducing overthinking. Examples of benzodiazepines include alprazolam (Xanax) and clonazepam (Klonopin). These also require a prescription from a physician.
These medications need a prescription before you can buy one, so you have to visit a physician to get this sorted.
Self-help Strategies
Several self-help strategies can be used to treat social anxiety disorder. These strategies can help you to deal with your anxiety in a more proactive way.
Taking Care of Yourself
It’s essential to take care of yourself if you suffer from a social anxiety disorder. This means getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. These things can help to reduce stress and improve your mood.
Working on Your Appearance
One of the first things you can do to start feeling better about yourself is to work on your appearance. This doesn’t mean that you have to completely change the way you look, but making some small changes can make a big difference.
Many with social anxiety usually have problems with their teeth or the way they smile. Sometimes this can be from a missing tooth. But don’t worry about that. Even if you don’t have the time, you can get the implants you need. Many dentists now offer same-day dental implant services to people. This ensures that you’re not anxious about your smile when meeting new people. These implants are an option for you to get the smile you need without waiting weeks or months.
Another way of improving your appearance is by taking care of your skin and hair. Wearing clothes that make you feel good can also help improve your confidence.
Meditation
Another self-help strategy that can be helpful in treating social anxiety disorder is meditation. Meditation is a practice that involves focusing on your breath and clearing your mind. It can help to reduce stress and anxiety. There are many different types of meditation, so it’s important to find one that works for you.
If you suffer from social anxiety, don’t hesitate to seek help. There are many resources available to you. The most important thing is to get started on your treatment plan as soon as possible. You will start to feel better once you begin treatment!
