You’re about to give a speech in front of a large group. You break out in a sweat. Your heart begins to beat rapidly, and you feel like you’re about to faint. This isn’t just stage fright. You might have a social anxiety disorder.
People with social phobia worry constantly about being embarrassed and humiliated in front of others.
You’ll probably experience physical symptoms when faced with an uncomfortable social situation:
- You may start to sweat profusely.
- You feel flush and may get red in the face.
- You could start to tremble and shake.
- You feel nauseated and sick to your stomach.
- You may have trouble talking, and begin to stutter and stammer.
- You may have difficulty breathing and feel as though you are having a panic attack
You might even worry for days or even weeks before the event. You worry excessively about how people judged you for hours after the encounter. Social phobia may center around one situation. For instance, you might feel anxious writing on a blackboard in front of others. Or your anxiety may be so broad (generalized social phobia) that you feel extremely uncomfortable around anyone outside your family.
Social phobia affects about 15 million Americans. You’ll usually notice symptoms as a child or during the teen years. Social phobia may accompany other anxiety disorders or even depression.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- A Therapist will help you gradually re-enter the situations that you fear.
- An individual or group format usually lasts for sixteen to twenty-four sessions.
- You’ll learn symptom management skills, social skills training, and cognitive restructuring, aimed at changing your anxious thought processes.
Self Help Techniques
You can ease your own anxiety by :
- Joining a support group. Often, talking about your fears with other people will make your feel more confident. You’ll realize you are not alone.
- Exercising. Studies show aerobic exercise may make you feel calmer and less stressed. You might also try yoga and meditation to help relieve your anxiety.
- Avoid Alcohol and illicit drugs. They will make your anxiety worse.
Scientists aren’t sure what causes social phobia. But they are looking into what role genes play in the development of these disorders. They are also investigating environmental factors including pollution, physical and physiological stress, and diet.
The National Institute of Mental Health is currently conducting a study in California on the effects of behavior therapy in people age twenty-one to fifty-five with social phobia.
Sources: National institute of Mental Health, Anxiety Disorders of America. American Academy of Family Physicians.
Do you feel anxious in crowded places? You might have agoraphobia.
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