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Why Is My Social Anxiety So Bad

Unhealthy Ways Of Coping With Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety Disorder – causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology

In addition to completely avoiding many difficult social situations, people may depend on strategies as the only way to get through them. Unfortunately, these can result in making the social anxiety even stronger. Things like:

  • Remaining very quiet or avoiding conversation entirely. Seemingly to prevent the possibility of saying anything that could be judged as stupid, weird, or humiliating.
  • Being excessively nice or agreeable towards others, which unintentionally makes someone come off as fake or deceptive. Which can be qualities that others view negatively and distance themselves from.
  • Abusing alcohol, marijuana, or another substance as âthe only way to get through it.â
  • Latching onto a friend or someone as a âsafe person,â who must always be close by in social situations.
  • Maintaining mostly online connections, where there is the perception of more control and someoneâs words and images can be very carefully curated.

These strategies can make someone feel as if they are overcoming their social anxiety. The truth is they serve as a crutch that prevent truly desired outcomes from occurring. Deep and meaningful connections are not made. Confidence in your own ability to successfully navigate social situations is not growing. You miss out on the opportunity to learn that your genuine self is more than good enough.

Buy Yourself A New Outfit

Retail therapy is obviously no cure for social anxiety, but sometimes clothing really can make you feel like a new person with a new attitude. Try to get yourself out of a rut by purchasing something outside your comfort zone. Choose a unique accent piece both to try something new and to give others a conversation starter when they first meet you.

When Should I Talk To My Doctor About Social Anxiety

First, it’s important to know that you are not abnormal if you have social anxiety. Many people have it. If you have unusually high anxiety and fear about social situations, talk openly with your doctor about treatment. If left untreated, social anxiety disorder may lead to depression, drug or alcohol problems, school or work problems, and a poor quality of life.

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Read Also: How To Stop Yourself From Anxiety

Leanne 36 Marketing Executive And Blogger

I was diagnosed with depression when I was 19 and suffered with my mental health in my twenties, even overdosing after a difficult break-up.

My anxiety manifests itself as a feeling in my tummy that just wont go away. It isnt hunger, or being poorly. Its like a deep pit in my stomach. I also feel like my chest is tight and get short of breath. Sleeping is always an issue as my brain goes into relentless mode. Even the smallest of things can tip me over the edge and make me feel powerless. My menstrual cycle also drains me and makes my outlook on life change quite dramatically for a few days each month. Money is probably my biggest stress: I never feel like I have enough and, in turn, tell myself that my XX kids dont have enough either.

My anxiety is worst on Mondays. I reflect on the weekend and make myself feel guilty for eating or drinking the wrong things, not being more productive, and not exercising as much as I should have. Its when I feel most overwhelmed by everything I need to do throughout the week for my blog, part-time job and family. As soon as I get out of bed, I feel like Im on a treadmill without a stop button.

As soon as I get out of bed, I feel like Im on a treadmill without a stop button

I have three sons, age 14, 12, and four. My eldest son is autistic and if I know he has something going on at school or in his social life that will affect him, itll get to me in the mornings and Ill worry about it all day.

Make One Little Change

Social Anxiety Can Look Like... : anxietysupporters

Sometimes we can get caught up thinking that the changes that we need to make to get out of a rut need to be big. Make one little change and see if it has ripple effects in your life.

The change could be as small as watching the news every evening to keep up on current events and have more to say during small talk.

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What You Can Do

Based on your answers, we recommend:

  • Learning more about social anxiety and how to prevent it from becoming a problem in your life.

  • Check out Apps and Tools if you want to learn specific skills for managing social anxiety.

  • To find support in your community, online or over the phone go to the Get Support section.

  • Your answers suggest you might be experiencing some social anxiety. Mild social anxiety is common, particularly when we are around people who dont know us well or we are meeting for the first time and it often disappears as we get more comfortable in the situation. People who have this level of anxiety might have some ongoing concerns that other people arent forming a good impression of them.

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    Symptoms Of Morning Anxiety

    Most people experience several of the following symptoms when feeling anxious:

    • Rapid heartbeat
    • Feeling weak, faint, or dizzy
    • Tingling or numbness in the hands and fingers
    • Nervousness, sense of terror, of impending doom or death
    • Feeling sweaty or having chills
    • Feeling a loss of control

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    What Is The Difference Between Social Anxiety And Social Phobia

    Social Anxiety: Here’s How to Spot the Signs

    There isnt a significant difference between social anxiety disorder and social phobia. Social anxiety disorder used to be called social phobia. Prior to 1994, a diagnosis of social phobia meant you experienced fear and anxiety when performing in front of people. In 1994, the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders changed the name to social anxiety disorder and expanded the criteria for diagnosis. It was changed to include the fear and anxiety of being judged or watched by others in social situations, not just when performing.

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    They Understand Most Of The Time That Their Thoughts And Feeling Are Irrational But Don’t Know How To Think And Believe Rationally

    One thing that all socially anxious people share is the knowledge that their thoughts and fears are basically irrational. That is, people with social anxiety know that others are really not critically judging or evaluating them all the time. They understand that people are not trying to embarrass or humiliate them. They realize that their thoughts and feelings are somewhat irrational. Yet, despite this rational knowledge, they still continue to feel that way.

    The good news is that social anxiety is not only treatable, but the treatment is also successful. Social anxiety no longer needs to be a life-long, devastating condition.

    It is these automatic “feelings” and thoughts that occur in social situations that must be met and conquered in therapy. Usually these feelings are tied to thoughts that are intertwined in a vicious cycle in the persons mind.

    Dont Let Anxiety Impact Your Recovery

    Stress and anxiety are normal parts of life. However, chronic worry can have a detrimental effect on your physical, emotional and mental well-being, especially if you struggle with addiction. If you need help, 7 Summit Pathways is here for you.

    We understand that issues like anxiety or depression often serve as catalysts for addiction. Our team of interdisciplinary specialists addresses not only the addiction but also any underlying conditions that may have triggered your substance use.

    Dont let anxiety or addiction leave you feeling hopeless. Contact 7 Summit Pathways or schedule an appointment with a caring member of our team to learn more.

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    Look For Silver Linings And Be Kind To Yourself

    If your social anxiety isnt going away as fast as youd like, thats perfectly normal. It might be that you moved too fast and need to spend more time practicing other social encounters before youre up for the one youre stuck on, or you need to work more on relaxation techniques and distraction techniques so you can tolerate that situation next time, says Dr. Potter.

    Analyzing after the fact what triggered a reaction, whether a panic attack or something else, can also help. Try to break down, How can I think about that differently? or How can I change the situation next time? Dr. Potter suggests. Lets say you go to a concert and start to have a panic attack because youre enclosed in by a lot of people. Maybe next time, you might sit in the back or on an aisle, or stay somewhere where you feel like theres an exit route if you feel anxious or closed-in.Dr. Potter adds that other people are generally way more focused on themselves than they are on others. They are most likely not scrutinizing your behavior in social situations, because they are busy thinking about what they are going to say or do next, she says. Your anxiety usually magnifies the negative and minimizes the positive so the things youre acutely aware of about yourself may not be particularly noticeable to others.

    Prepare For The Next Day

    Therapy is Cool, Here

    Getting yourself organised for the following day can help put your mind at ease, Bijlani says.

    Many people struggle to get to sleep because they are anxious about the following day. You can try to reduce this anxiety by making sure that you have everything prepared. For example, you could have a to-do list or even get your clothes ready.

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    Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator

    This online resource, provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration , helps you locate mental health treatment facilities and programs. Find a facility in your state by searching SAMHSAs online Behavioral Health Treatment Services Locator. For additional resources, visit NIMH’s Help for Mental Illnesses webpage.

    What Can I Do About Social Anxiety Disorder

    If your social anxiety keeps you from doing things you want or need to do, or from making or keeping friends, you may need treatment.

    Talk about your fears and worries with a doctor or therapist who has experience treating social anxiety disorder. They will be able to tell if you have normal social anxiety or if you need treatment.

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    What Happens When Someone Has Social Phobia

    Extreme feelings of shyness and self-consciousness build into a powerful fear. As a result, a person feels uncomfortable participating in everyday social situations.

    People with social phobia can usually interact easily with family and a few close friends. But meeting new people, talking in a group, or speaking in public can cause their extreme shyness to kick in.

    With social phobia, a person’s extreme shyness, self-consciousness, and fears of embarrassment get in the way of life. Instead of enjoying social activities, people with social phobia might dread them and avoid some of them altogether.

    How Are Anxiety Disorders Treated

    How To Completely Lose Social Anxiety – It’s Quite Shocking

    You can check what treatment and care is recommended for anxiety disorders on the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence website.

    NICE produce guidelines for how health professionals should treat certain conditions. NICE only provide guidelines for:

    • Generalised anxiety disorder and panic disorder,
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder and body dysmorphic disorder ,
    • Post-traumatic stress disorder , and
    • Social anxiety disorder.

    The NHS does not have to follow these recommendations. But they should have a good reason for not following them.

    We have described some of the treatments for anxiety disorders below. The treatments you will be offered depend upon the type of anxiety disorder you are experiencing.

    You can find more information about treatments for:

    • Post-traumatic stress disorder by clicking here.
    • Obsessive-compulsive disorder by clicking here.

    Monitoring your symptomsSome anxiety disorders, such as generalised anxiety disorder may get better by itself with no treatment at all. Or after education and advice from your doctor. Your doctor will monitor your symptoms to see if they improve. And they will talk to you about medications that you can get without a prescription. These are sometimes called over-the-counter medications.

    Individual non-facilitated self helpThis involves working from a book or a computer program. You will be supported by a trained professional

    Individual guided self-helpYou should:

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    They Criticize Their Own Social Skills

    Social anxiety disorder goes beyond being shy or introverted. It involves an extreme fear of social interaction and it interferes with an individual’s daily life. The symptoms usually begin around age 13 and persist into adulthood. But most people with social anxiety wait at least 10 years to get help, according to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America.

    Whether you think you may have social anxiety or suspect that someone you know might, here are some of the most common signs:

    1. They imagine embarrassing themselves.

    Whether they’re about to meet a new person, or they’re walking into a social gathering, people with social anxiety disorder envision horribly embarrassing scenarios. They worry that they’ll say or do the wrong thing, and they picture that behavior horrifying other people.

    2. They avoid situations in which they’ll be judged.

    Social anxiety causes people to think things like, “Other people will think I’m stupid,” or “I’ll mess up and everyone is going to think I’m a loser.” Their extreme fear of rejection causes them to steer clear of uncertain social situations whenever possible.

    3. They only feel comfortable with a few specific people.

    4. They worry that other people will notice their fear.

    5. They experience specific social fears.

    6. They criticize their own social skills.

    7. Their thoughts often become self-fulfilling prophecies.

    When To Worry About Physical Symptoms Of Anxiety

    Social anxiety disorders can also lead to physical symptoms. You might experience blushing, sweating, or a subjective sensation of feeling suddenly cold or warm, says Dr. Potter. You might also have physical tension, which could cause aches and pains, like a stomachache. You can also experience symptoms associated with panic, even if you dont have a full-blown panic attack. Panic symptoms are your heart beating fast, shortness of breath, a subjective feeling of losing control or a fear of sudden, impending doom, says Dr. Potter. People with social anxiety will typically experience some of these symptoms, including at a lower threshold, too.

    Determining whether these symptoms are from anxiety, or a more serious medical condition can be difficult. If the pain goes away quickly after the anxiety-provoking situation has stopped, and if you have a subjective sense of knowing that you are currently afraid of something, then its more likely what you are feeling is probably anxiety, says Dr. Potter. But if youre in doubt, you should definitely talk to a doctor about it and get advice on specific signs to look out for and what your risk factors are. If you have a known heart condition, this advice is even more important. You want to be much more careful about seeking medical care for any of these types of symptoms, she says. And if you have cardiac conditions and you have anxiety, you should talk to your doctor about how to differentiate the two.

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    What Is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

    Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychological treatment. Your psychologist or therapist works with you to change your thinking and behavioral patterns that are harmful or unhelpful.

    CBT usually takes place over multiple sessions. Through talking and asking questions, your therapist or psychologist helps you gain a different perspective. As a result, you learn to respond better to and cope with stress, anxiety and difficult situations.

    Leave Some Extra Transition Time

    Do You Have Anxiety So Bad That You Can T Work Talk Sleep

    Transition time is the time that is needed between tasks. Many of us underestimate how much transition time is needed. For instance, your evening may consist of numerous different tasks that you need to do before you go to bed.

    Whatever amount of time you have allotted for each task, consider adding a bit more time as a buffer in case the task takes longer than you think. That way you will avoid feeling overwhelmed, trying to cram too much in before bedtime.

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    Do You Have An Anxiety Disorder

    Maybe you have a big work presentation or a moody family member. Well, its totally normal if these things cause your anxiety to spike.

    If you only experience anxiety every once in a while, theres nothing to be worried about.

    But what if your anxiety is more frequent? According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, if youre struggling to control your anxiety more days than not over a period of six months, you may be dealing with Generalized Anxiety Disorder .

    People with GAD often experience the following symptoms:

    • Feeling nervous and/or irritable

    • Stomach problems

    If you suspect you are dealing with GAD, its important to talk to a healthcare professional.

    Aside from GAD, there are four other types of anxiety disorders.

    Regular Anxiety Versus Anxiety Disorders

    Anxiety is your bodys natural response to stress. It can cause feelings of worry, fear, or apprehension about whats to come. Feeling anxious is normal when people must do things like take a test, give a speech, or make an important decision.

    But, if your feelings of anxiety are severe, long-lasting, and interfering with your day-to-day life, you may have an anxiety disorder.

    Regular anxiety is a feeling that comes and goes but does not negatively affect your everyday life. Its normal to have an ounce of anxiety before doing something as intimidating as moving to a new place or starting a new job. This type of anxiety is unpleasant, but it may motivate you to work hard and to do better in the long run.

    Anxiety disorders may be with you every second of the day. The feelings are intense and sometimes crippling. Suffering from an anxiety disorder may cause you to stop doing things that you enjoy.

    In the worst cases, it may prevent you from leaving your house to avoid social situations. If left untreated, it may keep getting worse.

    There are many types of anxiety disorders. They include:

    • post-traumatic stress disorder

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