Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, involves intense fear of certain social situations—especially situations that are unfamiliar or in which you feel you’ll be watched or evaluated by others. These social situations may be so frightening that you become anxious just thinking about them or go to great lengths to avoid them. Underlying social anxiety disorder or social phobia is the fear of being scrutinized, judged, or embarrassed in public. You may be afraid that people will think badly of you or that you won’t measure up in comparison to others. And even though you probably realize that your fears of being judged are at least somewhat irrational and overblown, you still can’t help feeling anxious.
Some of the symptoms that may indicate a need to ask for help from a professional are the following:
- Excessive self-consciousness and anxiety in everyday social situations
- Intense worry for days, weeks, or even months before an upcoming social situation
- Extreme fear of being watched or judged by others, especially people you don’t know
- Fear that you’ll act in ways that that will embarrass or humiliate yourself
- Fear that others will notice that you’re nervous
- Avoiding social situations to a degree that limits your activities or disrupts your life
- Staying quiet or hiding in the background in order to escape notice and embarrassment
- A need to always bring someone along who knows you wherever you go
- Physical symptoms such as red face or blushing, shortness of breath, upset stomach, nausea, trembling or shaking, racing heart or tightness in chest, sweating or hot flashes, feeling dizzy or faint
It is important to know that you are not alone. Many people suffer from this type of disorder. In fact, social anxiety disorder is the most common anxiety disorder and the third most common mental disorder in the U.S., after depression and alcohol dependence. An estimated 19.2 million Americans have social anxiety disorder. The disorder most often surfaces in adolescence or early adulthood, but can occur at any time, including early childhood.
Renew Counseling Center wants to be a valuable resource in your search for healing in this area of life. There is hope available through counseling and a personalized treatment plan. Call (623)633-4032 today to consult with one of our professionals about your situation.