Social anxiety is a common disorder that can be difficult to manage. The good news is that there are ways to cope with social anxiety. If you're struggling with social anxiety, it's important to know what it is and how to cope.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a fear of social situations. People with social anxiety are afraid that they will do something embarrassing or humiliating, and they worry that other people will judge them negatively as a result.
People with social anxiety often worry excessively about how they are perceived by others in their environment, focusing on what could go wrong instead of what's happening now. They may also experience physical symptoms such as blushing or sweating when they feel anxious in public places like parties or presentations at school.
Signs of Social Anxiety
The signs of social anxiety are different for everyone, but there are some common ones. These include:
- Avoidance of social situations and eye contact
- Difficulty talking to people
- Constant worry about being judged or ridiculed by others (even if you don't know them)
- Avoidance of crowds, parties, or other places where you might have to interact with strangers
If you have these symptoms and think they may be caused by social anxiety disorder (or another mental health issue), it can help to talk with a therapist who specializes in treating this condition.
Causes of Social Anxiety
You may develop social anxiety for a number of reasons. You may have always suffered with it. Some people have a genetic predisposition to social anxiety, while for many others it is due to something that has happened in their past.
Social anxiety can develop after a traumatic event or trauma suffered during childhood. IT can also come from stress or as a result of other mental health conditions.
Coping With Social Anxiety
Living with social anxiety can be tough, but depending on the severity of your anxiety, there are different strategies that may help you cope with it better.
Meditation is a great way to calm the noise, reconnect and instil a sense of calm which may help with your anxiety. Yoga, mindfulness, deep breathing exercises and massage or reflexology are also good ways to calm your nerves which may help you manage your anxiety.
One of the most effective ways to manage your anxiety is to talk to a professional who will be able to help you get to the root cause of your anxiety so you can better manage your emotions better. Together you can better understand your emotions and develop strategies to enable you to live your life on your terms.
If you're struggling with social anxiety, it's important to know what it is and how to cope. If you feel that your symptoms are interfering with your life or getting in the way of your relationships, then seek help from a professional who can assess whether treatment is necessary.
Please contact Psychotherapy Surbiton for more information or to book an appointment.