What is Social Anxiety? Social Anxiety Disorder?
What is Social Anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety is characterized by anxiety and concern related to how you are being perceived by others and if others are judging or criticizing you. Social anxiety can be seen on a spectrum- most humans experience some level of social anxiety. However, when this anxiety about being judged or criticized by others becomes intense and causes high levels of distress and/or impairment to one’s day to day functioning- it can meet diagnostic criteria for Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD).
Dr. Sandra provides specialized individual therapy for social anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder. She has expertise in evidence-based treatments for social anxiety including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure Techniques, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Read below to learn about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and management of social anxiety.
Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms
Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder can be broken down into three categories: physical, behavioral, and psychological. Physical symptoms may include blushing, sweating, chest redness, shaking, heart racing, nausea/stomach pain, dizziness or feeling faint during or when thinking about social situations.
The most common behavioral symptom of Social Anxiety Disorder is avoidance of social situations/interactions. However, other behavioral symptoms may be safety behaviors (i.e., avoiding talking to unfamiliar people in social situations, pretending to be on your phone to avoid conversation while in a social situation, using alcohol to calm nerves before and during social interactions) and conversational/social skill difficulties (challenges maintaining conversation, difficulty using eye contact, passive communication, and speaking with a soft voice). Oftentimes, the conversational/social skill deficit is a result from avoidance (social skills get rusty) or from distraction due to anxiety symptoms (being so caught up in anxious thoughts/feelings that you almost forget how to socialize!)
Social Anxiety Disorder Causes
There is no specific singular cause of Social Anxiety Disorder. Research states Social Anxiety Disorder is likely caused by a combination of genetic, biological, and environmental factors. Risk factors may include a family history of anxiety disorders, serotonin imbalances, overactive amygdala, insecure attachment styles and/or past upsetting or embarrassing social experiences. Once anxiety about social situations is present, avoidance often progresses and exacerbates symptoms. The more that the anxiety provoking situations are avoided, the more intense the fear and anxiety will likely become.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Research demonstrates effective treatments for social anxiety disorder including Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) (including exposure interventions) and medication (most commonly Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)). To treat social anxiety, Dr. Sandra utilizes a combination of CBT, exposure techniques, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Treatment also focuses on building communication and assertiveness skills. Dr. Sandra incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy Interpersonal Effectiveness skills as a part of social anxiety treatment. She has a unique compassion and understanding for social anxiety, and creates a comfortable space for individuals to build social confidence and overcome social anxiety.
Strategies and Tips for Social Anxiety
In addition to seeking treatment, there are strategies that may be helpful to implement for social anxiety as well. Dr. Sandra has many resources and a workshop specific to social anxiety coping strategies in her online community. A few favorite tips include:
- Watch out for Mind Reading. Mind Reading is a form of anxious thoughts where we jump to conclude what others’ are thinking about us. For example, “she’s mad at me” or “they thought I was weird.” Try to catch any thoughts that are Mind Reading and say to yourself - “This is Mind Reading. I do not know for sure that this is true.”
- As difficult as it can be, try not to avoid social situations. Having “go-to” conversation topics and things to talk about before conversations/interactions can be helpful. Even the smallest baby steps toward discomfort in social situations, will be helpful and healing for your social anxiety.
- When in social situations, try to focus more on them and less on you. Focus on: Do you like them? Do you find them interesting? Do you connect to what they’re saying? Try not to focus on: If they like you, what they thought of what you just said, if they find you interesting.
Book your Free Consultation Call
If you want help with social anxiety, you are in the right place. Dr. Sandra offers expert advice and treatment for social anxiety and Social Anxiety Disorder in Conshohocken, PA and virtually in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and many other states. Take the first step toward overcoming social anxiety by booking a free 10 minute introduction and consultation call with Dr. Sandra.
Conshohocken, PA, Main Line Suburbs, and virtually across Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and several other states
