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HOW SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER AFFECTS A PERSON’S LIFE
Social Anxiety Disorder is a debilitating disorder that can cause a lot of distress in a person’s life. It can interfere with your relationships, work and school, and even your ability to enjoy life. You might even experience intense loneliness or isolation due to the disorder. If you think you might suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder, then it would be wise to seek professional help from a mental health professional who specializes in this type of anxiety disorder. You deserve to live a life that isn’t affected by SAD. A life where you can enjoy social outings, talk with coworkers or classmates, and build lasting relationships that facilitate happiness and growth. To find out more about this disorder and to see if you show signs and symptoms of the diagnosis keep reading.
WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?
Social Anxiety Disorder is defined as an abnormal and persistent fear of social or performance situations. The disorder is present in both adults, teens, and children and may manifest itself in the form of excessive self-consciousness, shyness, discomfort or embarrassment when with other people, a feeling of being watched or judged by others, unreasonable fear of being humiliated, avoidance of social situations, or feeling uneasy when meeting new people.
It can take many forms including (but not limited to):
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* Fear of speaking in public for example when giving speeches or presentations at work meetings; even though you may be well prepared for this type of event.
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* Fear at meeting new people such as family members/close friends whom you haven’t seen for a long time; going on a first date; making conversation with strangers etc…
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When these types events are about to happen your anxiety levels rise which makes it difficult for you to function properly during these events until they’re over! You’ll notice that sometimes even thinking about them can cause symptoms such as sweating profusely (possible nausea), racing heart rate – dizzy spells too if it gets really bad enough then maybe even vomiting too (if any)…. This CAN BE VERY DEBILITATING FOR SOME PEOPLE!!
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THERE ARE MANY SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS THAT CAN BE ASSOCIATED WITH A DIAGNOSIS OF SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER. A COMBINATION OF THESE SYMPTOMS CAN HELP IDENTIFY A DIAGNOSIS.
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* Fear of being judged by others
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* Fear of being embarrassed
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* Avoidance of social situations
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* Feeling uneasy when meeting new people
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* Feeling like you’re being watched or judged by others. This can happen even when there is no one around. It may be a feeling that someone is watching you, even if they aren’t actually there. You might think that everyone is talking about you behind your back, even though it’s very unlikely that they are doing so.
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* Self-consciousness/shame/self-loathing – Thinking negatively about yourself and your abilities because of being anxious in social situations (e.g., “I’m not good at this”, “I have no friends”, etc.) * Guilt – Being unable to enjoy events or activities with other people due to anxiety (e.g., vacations, parties) * Anxiety and Panic Attacks – Persistent fears for no reason beyond what would normally trigger an anxiety attack such as going out in public or meeting new people.* Irritability – Having increased irritability towards family members, friends, etc.* Depression / Low Self-Esteem – Experiencing feelings of sadness, helplessness , hopelessness, guilt, etc.*
CONCLUSION
If you felt that the signs and symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder resonated with you it is important that you talk with a mental health professional. Although, some individuals outgrow these signs and symptoms on their own, some do not. You deserve to live a life where your SAD does not run your life. We hope that by reading this article, you have gained a better understanding of Social Anxiety Disorder and its symptoms. If you are concerned about yourself or someone else and think they may have some type of anxiety disorder, we encourage you to seek professional help from a mental health provider who specializes in treating these types of disorders.
Burch Tree Counseling Center offers treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder through utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, In-Vivo Exposure, and Imaginal Exposure. If you reside in Florida. you can conveniently schedule your first online session Today!
