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If you experience intense nervousness in social situations, you’re not alone. Nearly 15 million Americans deal with social anxiety disorder, which is a condition that causes intense worrying about being judged or negatively perceived in situations with other people. Unlike many other individuals who feel some level of shyness in social settings, people with the disorder often experience extreme physical symptoms and a diminished quality of life. 

What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Physical Symptoms

Whether they’re heading to class or the grocery store, those with the disorder have intense physical symptoms when faced with a social situation. For example, one may experience a racing heart rate, sweating, or an upset stomach. These individuals are essentially in fight-or-flight mode in scenarios with other people. Some may visibly blush, tremble, or experience muscle twitches.

Emotional Symptoms

Even though people with the disorder recognize their extreme response to everyday situations, they often feel they cannot control it. In fact, this notion may only exacerbate their negative thought processes and nervousness. After a triggering social encounter, a person with social anxiety may recount the event again and again in their mind. It is common for these individuals to feel they did something extremely embarrassing or humiliated themselves in some way, even if an incident was extremely minor.

Day-to-Day Impacts

anxietySocial anxiety often prevents people from living their lives as they would like. They may decline a job interview because they are afraid to attend or avoid leaving the house to run errands. They might ignore friends and family members and feel they cannot interact with others, no matter how much they would truly like to.

Treatment

Those with social anxiety disorder greatly benefit from seeking treatment from a licensed psychologist. A counselor will develop an individualized approach for each patient to help them overcome their concerns. Frequently, the plans involve cognitive-behavioral therapy and working together to deconstruct negative thought patterns, reduce anxiety, and improve day-to-day functioning. Occasionally, a professional may recommend medication to treat symptoms of depression and anxiety.

 

If you struggle with social anxiety, it’s time to seek the invaluable support, health, and happiness you deserve. The caring team from Wiregrass Wellness Center in Dothan, AL, offers the mental health services people need to regain their quality of life. It’s important to remember you’re not alone, and there are proven ways to combat your condition. To learn how mental health counseling will help you, visit the website. You can also speak to a friendly, non-judgmental representative at (334) 673-8869.

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