social anxiety

Social Anxiety (or social phobia) is a form of anxiety where a person has an intense fear of being scrutinised in public.  This fear can be restricted to specific situations or generalised to most situations.  To reduce symptoms of the fear and anxiety, people may undertake repetitive behaviours or they may use avoidance strategies.  In some situations where the anxiety is generalised, this can result in total social isolation.

Is social anxiety common?
Social anxiety is one of the most common anxiety disorders.  Most people experience their first symptoms in late childhood or early adolescence.  Unfortunately, the symptoms of the disorder itself, such as embarrassment often stops people from seeking treatment and support for the condition.  As a result, many people fail to seek treatment and the condition is left untreated.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety
A person with Social Anxiety has an intense fear of the following situations:

• Public speaking
• Eating or drinking in public
• Speaking in a group
• Writing in front of others

In these situations, the person will show the following symptoms:

• Trembling
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Nausea
• Panic attacks

Like many Mental illnesses, Social Anxiety often occurs in tandem with other Anxiety disorders or Depression.  Some people will resort to substance abuse in an attempt to reduce the symptoms. This will affect the symptoms of the disorder and also how the disorder is treated.

Depression and Social Anxiety
There is a strong relationship between Social Anxiety and Depression.  It is hard to know whether one causes the other but it is clear that people with Social Anxiety are likely to experience symptoms of depression as well.  Symptoms of depression can include:

• To feel depressed most of the day
• Diminished interest in work or activities
• Weight loss or gain
• Sleeping problems
• Feelings of worthlessness
• Fatigue
• Thoughts of suicide

Is there treatment available?
If you think that you may be experiencing symptoms of Social Anxiety, it is important that you see a Doctor or seek support.  The treatment approach will depend on the severity of the social anxiety and also whether there are other mental health illnesses present.   As mentioned above, it is common for anxiety and depression to occur simultaneously.  In general, though social anxiety is usually treated with relaxation therapy, cognitive-behavioural techniques, exposure therapy, social skills training, assertiveness training and occasionally, medication.

If you or someone you love are experiencing symptoms of social anxiety, contact us at Swan Valley Psychology.   There are effective treatment and support available for this troubling disorder.  Contact us today to find out more.
Contact: Swan Valley Psychology
Shop 8 85 Walter Road East
Bassendean
Perth
WA
6054
Ph 08 93793580