Social Anxiety is a condition that can present itself in many forms. Sometimes social anxiety is a general feeling of unease or panic that can strike while among groups of people. Other times, this form of anxiety can be more specific; some people may experience extreme anxiety while driving a car to a meeting, going to a party, or even just leaving the house. While all forms of anxiety cause physical and emotional distress, one of the most destructive forms is social anxiety.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), is a specific anxiety disorder which causes extreme anxiety in social situations. SAD effects everyone differently and for different reasons. Some people may have social anxiety from a very young age, while others may develop it later on in life. For example, a woman who has been in an abusive relationship for some time may become anxious in social situations, even if she is a naturally outgoing person. For some people, social anxiety is all-encompassing; the fear of social situations can become so extreme that even leaving the house is a terrifying experience. Another person may excel at work and professional relationships, but become paralyzed at the thought of calling up a friend. Social anxiety comes in many forms, but it always has a negative effect on the lives of the people who suffer from it.
Why Is Social Anxiety So Destructive?
All types of anxiety effect our lives in negative ways, but social anxiety is unique in the problems it causes. With most forms of anxiety, the source of the anxiety can often be avoided. For example, those who have an extreme fear of traveling – especially long distances, as with ships and planes – don’t have to face their fears every day. The problem of traveling will probably come up eventually, but they won’t have to worry about it on a daily basis. This isn’t the case with social anxiety. There is really no way to avoid coming into contact with people, whether you’re buying groceries, seeing a doctor, or even just going outside to get the mail. There is always the possibility of running into people, and that is what makes social anxiety so devastating. People with extreme social anxiety may start to avoid many things that they want to do; spending time with friends, volunteering, and going to events, just to name a few. Without help, social anxiety can make it extremely difficult, or even impossible, to live a full life.
What Makes Counseling a Good Option For Treating Social Anxiety Disorder?
Getting help for social anxiety is a huge step forward in improving your life, but finding help can be difficult. Getting social anxiety counseling can help you overcome your anxiety in many ways:
- Therapy provides a safe place for you to express your feelings and concerns. Social anxiety makes every social situation difficult, but knowing that what you say stays between you and your counselor can ease your fears.
- When you’re dealing with social anxiety, it can be difficult to decide what steps to take first. A counselor will help give you practical ideas and ways to cope with your anxiety. Having an outside opinion will help you see your anxiety in a new light, and it can make the process of overcoming your fears seem a lot less scary.
- Besides just giving you ways to cope with your anxiety, a counselor will help you get to the root of the problem. By uncovering the reasons why you have social anxiety in the first place, you’ll be better able to work through your problems as they come up.
Social anxiety may seem impossible to overcome at times, but it’s not. By taking one small step at a time, you will be able to move past your anxieties and live your life the way you want to. If you’re looking for help with anxiety, grief or depression, contact Mary Shull today.
