Imagine what your life will be like when you learn how to overcome Social Anxiety Disorder.
Your whole life will open up in a huge way because you’ll be able to say “YES!” to new opportunities that you would have never considered when your fears and anxieties ruled your life.
Meeting new people and doing new things will be exciting adventures you look forward to instead of dealing with the negative thoughts and feelings that fill your head now.
You’ll enjoy social gatherings (no matter how large) because you’ll be focused on having fun with others as opposed to the thoughts about what others may think of you.
And you may find that you have better job possibilities once you remove the limitations that come with social anxiety disorder.
Just think… more friends, more adventure, more fun… less fear, fewer missed opportunities… a more exciting and richer life.
To sum it up in a couple of words: Social freedom!
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Here’s What You’re Going To Learn.
Social Anxiety Disorder Defined
Social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is an intense anxiety, or fear, of being judged negatively or rejected in a social situation or public performance.
Those with social anxiety disorder may worry about acting, or appearing, noticeably anxious. They also often fear being seen as foolish, dumb, awkward or boring in social interactions.
The result being that they will often avoid social situations or a public performance. If they can’t find a way to avoid them they’ll experience significant anxiety and maybe suffer panic attacks.
When defining social anxiety disorder, one thing needs to be made clear about what it is NOT.
Social anxiety disorder is not extreme shyness. It’s a recognized psychological condition.
The reason this is important to note is because if someone thinks they are simply shy, they typically don’t get help, or wait for many years to do so.
And all through that time they are suffering from significant anxiety and missing out on opportunities for a more fulfilling social life and maybe losing career opportunities as well.
Here are three things that will help you tell the difference between shyness and social anxiety disorder.
- The level of intensity of the fear experienced.
- The level of avoidance of situations that trigger social anxiety.
- The level of impairment and damage certain social interactions have done to a person’s life.
As an example, let’s say you were asked to give a speech. If you were extremely anxious over it to the point where you were continually fixated on it, had a high level of fear and were losing sleep… that’s not because you’re shy. That likely has to do with experiencing social anxiety disorder.
The Causes
The causes for social anxiety disorder are not clear, but several factors are thought to play a part. Social anxiety disorder may be brought on by a single factor or a combination of them.
Genetics is one possibility. Some believe that social anxiety disorder can run in families. Apart from genetics, another possibility is that one family member can learn it from another, like a parent or sibling.
Family dynamics can also play a part in the development of social anxiety disorder. For instance, having overprotective or hypercritical parents, conflicts within a family or possibly a child having an insecure attachment to their mother.
Biological factors within a person’s body such as chemical imbalances or an overactive amygdala can also contribute to social anxiety disorder. The amygdala is a structure within the brain that controls the fear response and feelings, or thoughts, of anxiety.
Then there are social factors like: being bullied, being harassed, having a perception of not fitting in or being socially ignored. These are thought to be possible causes of social anxiety disorder.
Other social triggers include a lack of confidence where social interactions are concerned and negative social experiences like being publicly humiliated.
Poor social skills can also contribute to social anxiety disorder as well as misinterpreting the behavior of other people and their body language.
Cultural influences and sexual abuse can also play a big part where social anxiety is concerned.
The Symptoms
There is a range of distress levels for social anxiety disorder.
This condition affects different people in different ways to different degrees. In other words, it’s not the same for everyone.
Where one person may be extremely afraid of public speaking, another person with social anxiety disorder may not have a problem with it.
Some who suffer with social anxiety disorder may completely avoid large social gatherings; others have no fear of attending large social events.
One of the main issues for people with social anxiety disorder is that they worry a lot about how they perceive the way others may think of them. They are typically very self-conscious and believe others will judge them. They may also be afraid that they will embarrass themselves and be humiliated.
If social anxiety disorder isn’t properly diagnosed and treated, it can cause a person to isolate themselves and become depressed.
As an example, regarding different levels of social anxiety disorder, I’ve been told that I have a mild case because I avoid public speaking whenever possible. I don’t like being the center of attention and I don’t like going to events where you mix and mingle. But I do enjoy meeting new people and talking one on one. It’s big crowds that I don’t like.
Others find it difficult to talk to people they don’t know, to work as part of a team or even make eye contact. That can have a debilitating effect on their lives, and they should definitely seek a proper diagnosis and treatment.
So, how do you know if you need to consider exploring a diagnosis and treatment for social anxiety disorder?
Free Online Tests For How To Overcome Social Anxiety Disorder
There are several free online tests you can take and they rate your level of social anxiety based on your answers to a list of questions. All you have to do is do a quick Google search to find one.
But I’m going to save you some time.
Below are what these free tests are looking for. Basically, the more you recognize certain factors in your behavior and feelings, the higher you rate on the social anxiety scale.
Following are some of the things these tests will look at.
When you have to get in front of others…
- Does your heart rate speed up noticeably?
- Do you blush, sweat or tremble?
- Do you feel nauseous or sick to your stomach?
- Does your posture get rigid?
- Do you feel scared or uncomfortable making eye contact?
- Do you speak in a softer voice than normal?
- Do you fear being around people you don’t know?
- Do you often avoid places, or events, where there are large crowds?
- Do you worry about being in social situations?
- Are you overly self-conscious, do you feel awkward in social situations or embarrass easily?
- Are you afraid that people will judge you?
- Are you afraid of being the center of attention in group settings?
- Are you uncomfortable asking questions of people you don’t already know?
- Do you have intense reactions to job interviews?
- Do you have trouble with conversations with people in authority over you?
- Are you uncomfortable using public restrooms?
- Are you uncomfortable talking on the phone to people you don’t know?
- Are you uncomfortable eating in public?
- Are you uncomfortable meeting someone for the first time?
- Are you uncomfortable returning unwanted purchases back to a store?
- Are you uncomfortable participating as part of a team or in a group activity?
- Are you apprehensive raising a question in a work meeting or classroom situation?
- Are you apprehensive walking into a room late once a meeting has started?
Experiencing some discomfort regarding the things mentioned above isn’t necessarily abnormal.
However, if you have really intense feelings about some of them, or experience a lot of them, you may have social anxiety disorder.
Bottom line: If you think you are at a level of social anxiety that you’re not comfortable with, then do something about it, and you can start today. See the “Resources” section below.
Treatments For Social Anxiety Disorder
First, read again through the symptoms section above to educate yourself about where you think you stand related to your social anxiety.
Then talk to your doctor, or a health care provider, with experience treating social anxiety disorder.
Following are the most common treatments.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
This kind of therapy helps you to learn how to control anxiety through relaxation and breathing. It also helps you to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
Exposure Therapy
Exposure therapy helps you to gradually face social situations instead of avoiding them. You’ll take small steps that don’t cause you too much discomfort and progress until you reach your goals.
Social Skills Training
For many people, when they strengthen their social skills they gain the confidence they need to initiate conversations, establish friendships and become more assertive. Sometimes working on social skills goes a long way to overcoming social anxiety disorder.
Group Therapy
With group therapy you’ll learn the social skills and techniques you need to interact with people in social settings. Here you can practice your social skills in a safe setting with others facing the same fears you’re looking to overcome.
Support Groups
Support groups can be very helpful for those with social anxiety disorder because you can get unbiased, honest feedback about how others perceive you. That way you can learn how your thoughts about being judged and feeling rejected are distorted.
Another benefit of support groups is that you can see how others with social anxiety disorder overcome their fears.
Medications
This is a treatment you may want to try last unless you have an extreme case of social anxiety disorder. Why not start with non-drug approaches first to see how they work for you before you try medications. Just a thought.
There are three types of medications commonly used to treat social anxiety disorder.
Anti-anxiety medications
Anti-anxiety medications are strong drugs that work quickly to reduce anxious feelings, but they usually aren’t taken for long periods of time. They can also make some people become dependent on them. So, you should be careful with them.
Antidepressants
Even though antidepressants are normally used to treat depression, they can also help with the symptoms of social anxiety disorder.
Antidepressants kick in slowly over time. Often, they can take several weeks to start working. They also may cause some side effects like headaches, trouble sleeping or nausea.
Beta-blockers
Beta-blockers help block some of the physical symptoms of anxiety like tremors, an increased heart rate or sweating. They are often helpful for performance anxieties.
A lot of people with severe cases of social anxiety disorder get really good results using a combination of medication and CBT or other therapies mentioned above.
Resources – How To Overcome Social Anxiety Disorder
If you would like to get some help right now to overcome social anxiety disorder. Following are some great options.
They range from comprehensive solutions that include your own personal therapist to more of the self help approach.
Online Therapy
This is the most complete solution you’ll find online to help you deal with social anxiety because they offer you a complete therapy toolbox online.
First, you’ll get your own personal therapist to be by your side from start to finish. You’ll also get step-by-step sections that lead you to a resolution to your social anxiety (or panic attacks, depression, self esteem and more).
Their Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be as effective as face to face therapy sessions. And you can do it from the comfort, and privacy, of your own home.
You may have seen Online Therapy on TV because it’s been featured frequently on CBS. It’s very highly regarded in the therapy world.
If you’re really serious about making the necessary changes to overcome your social anxiety, this is a great place to start. It can transform your life.
They have very affordable plans to fit any budget… including a free option to get you started immediately. And you can’t beat free.
After you click the link below, scroll down to the section with the different options for the help they offer and click on the “Social Anxiety” box and then click “Continue”.
Click here to learn more about Online Therapy.
Panic Away
If you panic attacks are your main issue, Panic Away can help you deal with them in a hurry.
The first thing you can do is to download their free audio solution from top anxiety coach Barry McDonagh and put it o work for you immediately.
McDonagh has helped more than 80,000 people worldwide from top CEOs to celebrities, soldiers and stay-at-home moms.
Click here to learn more about Panic Away.
Shyness And Social Anxiety System
This is an audio program which has helped thousands of people and received excellent reviews from experts and clients who have struggled with shyness or social anxiety.
The Shyness And Social Anxiety System is a step-by-step process that will help you overcome your nervousness, insecurities or quietness around other people.
What makes this program different from others that address being shy and dealing with anxieties are the crystal-clear directions that show you exactly what to do and when. There’s no guesswork here.
Click here to learn more about the Shyness And Social Anxiety System.
Conclusion – How To Overcome Social Anxiety Disorder
If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, and you want to get past it and start enjoying your life to the fullest, you can start today by understanding what it is, how it affects your life and what you can do about it.
As we’ve reviewed here, social anxiety disorder (social phobia) is an intense anxiety, or fear, of being judged negatively or rejected in a social situation or public performance.
Even though it’s not known exactly how it’s caused, we do know how to treat it. And there is a high success rate if you put in the effort.
You may want to try some of the resources listed above to see if you can help yourself before taking approaches that get much more involved and expensive.
If you have any questions, comments or thoughts you’d like to share please use the comment section below.
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