Social Phobia Anxiety

We all feel a little nervous in some situations, like a first date, a party with people we don’t know, or giving a speech for work. For most people, that feeling of butterflies in the tummy dies down in a while. For others, though, normal, everyday situations can cause a feeling of extreme anxiety, self consciousness and fear. So much so, that they may not be able to go through many situations that most people take in their stride.
If common situations like using a public restroom, writing a check, starting conversations, ordering food, or entering a public place make you feel so nervous that you start avoiding them, you may be suffering from Social Anxiety Disorder. This disorder can play havoc with your life, and keep you away from living a full life.

The criteria for being diagnosed with diagnosed with Social Anxiety Disorder are:

• A persistent fear of social situations where you believe you may be embarrassed or humiliated.
• These situations cause you a large amount of anxiety
• You realize that your anxiety level is excessive or disproportional
• You avoid social situations which cause you anxiety
• The anxiety interferes with your daily life

Social Anxiety Disorder caused by a variety of factors, but it isn’t fully understood what causes it. One reason may be genetics, and researchers are examining whether inherited genes cause this problem. Another reason may be chemicals in the brain that cause an imbalance. Psychological reasons also play a part. The disorder may be brought on by an unpleasant incident, which may have become deep seated in the psyche.
Social anxiety disorder normally persists for life, but there are ways to decrease its impact and to learn to cope with it. Psychotherapy, in the form of cognitive behavior therapy is used by psychiatrists to help with the disorder. Exposure therapy may also be used. Medication may also be prescribed to help with the problem.

You can also make changes to your lifestyle to help with the problem. You need to assess your fears, and find out what causes the most anxiety. Try to expose yourself in increasing doses to similar situations. You can practice eating with a close friend or relative in a public place, make eye contact or greet strangers, or give friends a compliment. Use positive reinforcement, by focusing on things about yourself that you like. Try to initiate contact with as many people as you can.
There are also some alternative therapies, like acupuncture, Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), or meditation that will give you freedom from anxiety.