Managing Anxiety in Social Situations
About 15 million adults suffer from social anxiety disorder, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA). Social anxiety disorder can have a negative effect on your personal relationships, ability to carry out normal daily activities and your level of satisfaction with your career.
Overcoming Social Anxiety
By Stanley E. Hibbs, Ph.D.
There’s a fairly simple explanation for all social anxiety. It’s caused by the unfortunate mental habit of “mind reading.” That is, we imagine what other people are thinking about us. “Do I look good?” “Do I sound intelligent?” Our unstated mission is “I must make them feel good about me!”
"Shyness" or Social Phobia?
Millions of us experience symptoms of high anxiety in social situations. Although it's very treatable, a mere one in twenty of those who suffer with social phobia gets professional help. Among the many reasons why people don't seek treatment are not knowing that what they have has a "name" and that it can be treated; not knowing where or how to look for help; feeling demoralized that they have a problem they can't fix themselves; and/or mistakenly believing their social anxiety is simply caused by "shyness."
Is Social Phobia Keeping You From Enjoying Life?
By Stanley E. Hibbs, Ph.D.
In cognitive-behavioral therapy, you are taught how to control the physical symptoms (e.g. rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, muscle tension) that often accompany social phobia. You are also taught how to overcome your fears by developing more positive ways of thinking about the anxiety-provoking situation(s). Your therapist acts as a coach who encourages you throughout the whole process.
Social Anxiety Disorder in Kids
Most children get nervous or feel varying degrees of anxiety in such situations as the first day of school. However, for some children the level of fear and anxiety experienced in social situations can feel overwhelming and can even become debilitating.
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