Social Anxiety: Too Much Social Consciousness? Many people face difficulties while giving presentations and even going out to a restaurant.
social anxiety: Too conscious of social gatherings? Do you have a constant fear of being judged? Not good with introductions? Everything is completely fine. It can happen to anyone. Mental health challenges run deeper than we think, and social anxiety is one of those challenges. This, however, does not mean that you are shy. Shyness is different from social anxiety. If you feel anxious in some of the life situations like before giving a presentation or before any interview etc., all these symptoms for some time are absolutely fine.
According to Dr. Vaibhav Chaturvedi, Consultant Psychiatrist, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital Indore, In social anxiety disorder, the person experiences anxiety in situations where they are likely to be observed and judged by others, such as dining in a restaurant, presentations at the stage or social gatherings. Avoiding anxiety-producing social situations or enduring them with intense fear or anxiety, excessive anxiety that is out of proportion to the situation, anxiety or distress that interferes with your daily life, is social anxiety disorder and it is real. Not merely superficial.
Social anxiety: signs and symptoms
What happens when someone gets socially anxious? There are various signs that one experiences when dealing with social anxiety. If all these symptoms are not treated in time, it can lead to alcohol abuse, drug misuse, depression.
- increased heartbeat
- fast breathing
- dry mouth
- Muscle pain
- Stomach ache
- feeling dizzy
- an overwhelming urge to flee the situation.
Social Anxiety in Children: There is nothing abnormal about a child being shy, but children with social anxiety disorder experience anxiety in everyday situations such as playing outside, reading in class, talking to adults, or taking tests. Children with social phobia often avoid school
In cases where these symptoms are prolonged, it is best to see a nearby psychiatrist for early diagnosis and treatment.
Social anxiety: treatment and coping mechanisms
Psychotherapy is an effective treatment on its own and may be even more effective when combined with medication. In psychotherapy, one will learn techniques to change negative thoughts about oneself. This type of therapy can help you get to the root of your anxiety. Through role-playing and other methods, you’ll learn how to improve your interactions in social settings, which can help build your confidence.
Deep breathing is an important coping mechanism:
Deep breathing is the practice of expanding the diaphragm as you breathe so that the stomach rises and falls, rather than the chest. During an anxiety attack, the individual breathes shallowly, which contributes to anxiety symptoms. By practicing how to breathe slowly and deeply in a relaxed environment, you will be able to call upon this method of relaxation during times of stress.
Mental health is important and we need to start building honest conversations about it. Social life is important for everyone as it affects our personality, our inner self as well. Anxiety can be triggered by a number of variables, and social situations are one of them. Therefore, it is important to be aware of our feelings, acknowledge them, and take the right course of action.
Seeking help is important and it works! Remember, it’s okay to not be okay.
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