Are you extremely worried before social events? Do you feel anxious to meet with your friends? Are you afraid of others judging you? Are you scared to go to public events? Do you avoid your colleagues, friends or your family members? Are you scared of meeting new people?
If you have been feeling like that for more than six months and these feelings limit your daily life, you may have a social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition. It is an overwhelming, persistent fear of being judged by others. Job interviews, going to a gym, answering or asking a question, participating in social events might cause you intense anxiety or fear. It is a fear of being humiliated, judged and rejected.
This feeling is out of control and limits everyday functioning.
Some people with social anxiety disorder experience performance anxiety when giving a speech, playing a sports game, doing a presentation or performing on a stage.
Social anxiety disorder usually starts with being shy at a young age, but the shyness deepens into an overwhelming fear and presents with physiological symptoms such as
- Blushing, sweating, trembling, rapid heart rate, or the “mind going blank”
- Feeling nauseous
- Feeling dizzy
Behavioural symptoms are often
- No or little eye contact, or speaking quietly
- Avoiding people, especially new ones
- Being very self-conscious, feeling embarrassed
Cognitive symptoms:
- Staying away from busy places or social events
- Safety is at home, alone
Social anxiety disorder is generally treated with psychotherapy or talking therapy, medication, or both.
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy can help you discover the root cause of your anxiety; it teaches you different ways of thinking, behaving, reacting to situations; and encourages you to practice social skills.
Hypnotherapy
Hypnotherapy can help you learn relaxation skills and mentally practice situations where you usually would feel anxious. This gradual and gentle exposure lessens the fear; you learn to manage your feelings and emotions subconsciously and cognitively, and eventually, you will be able to try your new skills in practice.
Integrative hypno-psychotherapy can help you to take back control over your worries.
You are not alone! You don`t have to do it alone!
