Social Phobia
What Is Social Phobia?
Social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder, is a mental health disorder that consists of an intense fear of social situations and of being judged, negatively evaluated, or rejected in social interactions. People with social phobia can experience physical symptoms of anxiety during social situations such as extreme sweating or trembling and may also experience extreme emotional distress.
Signs and Symptoms
Those with social phobia can experience symptoms like feeling excessively anxious around certain people, worrying excessively about what other people might think, and avoiding social situations altogether. Additionally, they may experience physical symptoms of anxiety such as trembling, sweating, or a racing heart. The fear and anxiety that those with social phobia experience can significantly interfere with their daily activities and quality of life.
Causes
The exact cause of social phobia is not known, but there are several factors that may play a role. These include genetics, brain chemistry, and personality traits. Social phobia can also be learned, either from modeling others or from a fear inducing situation that was experienced in the past.
Treatment
The most common treatment for social phobia is cognitive-behavioral therapy, which can help individuals to learn tools to manage their anxiety. Additionally, medications such as antidepressants may be used to help manage the symptoms. Other therapies such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) can also be effective in treating social phobia.
Coping Strategies
There are several strategies that can be used to help manage the symptoms of social phobia. These include:
- Learning relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
- Engaging in regular physical activity to reduce stress.
- Talking to a therapist or counselor about fears and addressing any underlying issues.
- Developing a positive self-image and challenging negative thoughts.
- Communicating honestly with trusted friends family about feelings.
- Practicing potential social scenarios with a trusted individual.