August 12
Are You Affected by Social Anxiety Disorder?
Do you have intense feelings of discomfort and fear when in social situations? You may have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder affects millions of people around the world and varies greatly from person to person.
It is important to know that if you find social settings unbearable, you can get help. A doctor will be able to help you treat your social anxiety disorder so that you can live a normal life instead of being paralyzed by fear.
Its hard to pin down the exact symptoms of social anxiety disorder, which is why seeing your doctor is so important. Some common signs that you may have this disorder include a number of fears.
Some fears that may suggest that you need to see your doctor include: fear of being the center of attention, fear that you will make mistakes in front of everyone and that you will be judged, fear that you are not as good as everyone else, fear of making a fool of yourself, or the fear everyone can see all your flaws.
These fears may or may not cause panic attacks, but always cause intense anxiety. Anxiety may lead to shaking, a pounding heart, blushing, sweating, stammering, nausea, and dizziness.
Being shy isn't the same thing as having a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is physically debilitating to the person who is experiencing it.
Social anxiety disorder, if left untreated, can take over your life. It can happen at any age and to anyone. Women tend to be affected more frequently than men.
If you are affected by social anxiety disorder, it is possible that you are affected by other types of anxiety disorders. It is important for you to contact your doctor so that a diagnosis can be confirmed and treatment decided. Many people that suffer from social anxiety disorder attempt to cover it up by using drugs and alcohol, which leads to addiction.
You can overcome social anxiety disorder, but you need to see your doctor. A treatment plan will be designed to help you live a healthy and socially active life.
Your doctor will use cognitive-behavioral therapy to teach you how to feel less fear and anxiety in social situations. Medications may be used as part of your treatment plan.
You may not be able to cure your social anxiety disorder, but you will work with your doctor to determine the best treatment plan that will improve your life.
Filed under Social Anxiety by Betsy Ecker