Understanding And Overcoming Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety is one of the most common mental health conditions that affect millions of people across the world. However, it is often mistaken for shyness and the victim is probably called out and told to toughen up. Social Anxiety is not just about shyness. It goes beyond you feeling nervous to ask your crush on a date or singing in front of a lecture hall. It is a mental health condition that can affect and extremely limit a person's social interaction. This article will focus on the truths about social anxiety, as well as effective strategies for overcoming it.

What is social anxiety? 

Battling social anxiety can feel isolating, but there is hope for recovery (tCaPC).

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia is the extreme fear of close or crowded social interactions. For instance, when you come across unfamiliar interactions or situations where you feel like you are being watched, even if it is cute. Rather than the euphoria of meeting new people, you get anxious just thinking about the fact that you are standing where you are with no line to excuse yourself. Most individuals with social anxiety disorder try to avoid these uncomfortable situations, even if it means staying in their homes for months. Here are the symptoms of social anxiety disorder:

Physical symptoms: These symptoms include trembling, nausea, sweating, high heartbeat rate, and dizziness in very uncomfortable situations.

Behavioral symptoms: These include looking down while talking or monosyllabic responses, reluctance to speak in public, and severe self-consciousness.

Emotional symptoms: These include intense fear, embarrassment, worry, and fear of saying the wrong thing.

Let's further dissect Social Anxiety disorder in its entire experience with a little story. 

The worst day ever 

Spencer enjoyed a happy childhood. He was always bubbly and had this great outlook on life, till he was 12 and about to go to a boarding school. He was excited at the thought of meeting new friends like him, and away from his mother's strict rules, especially since she always wanted him to read. However, things didn't go as planned. On the second day after sports, Spencer was taking care of himself in the toilet. He had pulled out his sportswear and hung them somewhere before entering the toilet. When he finished, he came out and could not find them. Someone had stolen them, and he only had his boxers on. While he went around asking who took his clothes, the other kids were laughing. After the incident, Spencer had to work from the field to his dormitory in his boxers while the other students laughed. It was the most humiliating day of his life. He was so embarrassed that he could not speak. 

Since then, Spencer has struggled with social anxiety. Throughout middle school and high school, he would rather walk alone than with groups of students going to any part of the school. He was also very quiet in class and it was scary. His parents were surprised at the behavior change. Their once bubbly son was now a shadow of himself. He'd rather stay in his room all day and come out when he is needed than talk to anyone. His parents were worried sick as Spencer looked to carry it on to college. So, they decided to talk to him. 

After talking to his parents, Spencer decided to try therapy because he was also not happy that he could not talk to another person without feeling extremely embarrassed. 

Overcoming Social Anxiety Disorder 

Seeking therapy 

Therapy sessions can provide valuable support for overcoming social anxiety (tCaPC).

Spencer was tired of staying in his room and crying rather than taking the world by its reins and enjoying meeting new people. So, he tried a therapist with a social anxiety disorder experience. Luckily for him, she had more embarrassing moments than he did, so he felt lighter talking to her already. She took him through the second day of boarding school and told him how humiliated he was. She let him know that his feelings were valid and suggested ways that he could cope with his anxiety. Spencer was also advised to engage in activities that brought him joy and relaxation and rather than do it alone, he should try it with his loved ones. 

Lean on loved ones

Spencer was glad he went to therapy because he liked his therapist's approach. He needed to step out of his comfort zone and he needed his loved ones to stand by him. He had his mum, his dad, his siblings, and his best friend to go with him whenever. If he wanted to sing karaoke, his best friend was up there with him. Weeks later, Spencer found out that he was more comfortable outside with people than before. He smiled back when his crush smiled at him and he did not feel like running away. It felt good.

Social skills training 

Spencer had to learn to communicate again since he had shut the doors while going through school. He started with his loved ones too, trying assertive and non-verbal gestures and laughing hard when he did not get it. It was fun, but he learned. Spencer was getting better and better every day. 

Mindfulness practices 

Spencer also decided to take being present seriously. He wanted to soak every moment as they would become memories in no distant time. He would take deep breaths anytime he was feeling anxious and meditate before going anywhere. Sometimes, frustration can creep in, especially when he is still scared to do the things he thought he would be able to do. However, he stopped giving room to intrusive thoughts and focused on the positive side of every situation.

Practicing mindfulness on the beach to alleviate social anxiety (tCaPC).

Conclusion 

Overcoming Social Anxiety disorder is a journey, for both the patients and their loved ones. It involves maximum understanding, patience, perseverance, and attention to every feeling at any given moment. However you choose to go about it, whether therapy first or self-care practices, understand that social anxiety disorder can be overcome and you do not need drugs or alcohol to address it. Seeking therapy is not a sign of weakness, rather it shows growth and the strength to take your life to the next level. Once again, a social anxiety disorder can be overcome.