Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia is the fear of engaging and being in situations which involve social interaction, which intrigues stress and discomfort in such situations. Everyone has experienced feeling anxious in some specific social situations, whereas individuals with social anxiety disorder experience these feelings consistently whenever they are in a social gathering, which effects their daily functioning as well
In this blog, we’ll explore the challenges that individuals with social anxiety disoreder face and the importance of treating this mental condition. Moreover, we’ll discuss how therapy can be benficial in social anxiety disorder, as it provides emotional and mental support needed for a healthier life.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Many people confuse social anxiety for shyness or nervousness due to a tough social situation, but it is more than that. Such individual are extremely conscious of their actions and words in social situations in fear of embarrassing themselves which everyday interactions extremely challenging such as meeting new people, attending social gatherings, or public speaking.
Some common symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
- Excessive self-consciousness in social settings.
- Intense worry or fear about upcoming social events or conversations.
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, or a racing heart in social situations.
- Avoidance of social interactions to prevent anxiety from occurring.
SAD can significantly affect a person’s personal, academic, and professional life. Fortunately, therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat and manage social anxiety disorder.
How Does Therapy Help Treat Social Anxiety Disorder?
Therapy is an effective treatment to help treat social anxiety disorder in both short and long-term relief. There are different types of therapy which are known to be effective for the treatment of social anxiety and are aimed at the individual’s requirements.
1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT):
One of the most popular forms of therapy recommended for the treatment of social anxiety disorder is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT is based on the concept that our thoughts, emotions, and actions are interlinked. This way individuals can get rid of negative ones and develop healthier concepts about social interactions.
For instance, a person suffering social anxiety might think that during a conversation he would say something embarrassing and therefore avoids talking to anyone. Such individuals will benefit from CBT as they will learn how to challenge such thoughts and provide contrasting evidence to become more confidence and feel more at ease in social interactions.
CBT for social anxiety typically involves:
- Cognitive restructuring to change negative thought patterns.
- Exposure therapy to gradually face feared social situations in a controlled manner.
- Relaxation techniques to manage physical symptoms of anxiety, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.
2. Exposure Therapy:
Another therapy which is part of CBT but focuses more on avoidance behaviour associated with social anxiety is called Exposure Therapy. The intent is to help the individual gradually increase their tolerance to social situations, and subsequently lessen their anxiety.
Let’s take an example, let us consider a person suffering from a severe case of social anxiety, he may start off by picturing the details of a social setting such as depiction attending a small party, after which he would slowly work his way up to socializing in small groups and eventually would begin engaging himself in larger and much more intimidating social gatherings and events. As a result of repeated practice, they become desensitized towards such situations and learn to control their responses towards these settings.
3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
Another type of technique that may be effective to use for individuals who suffer from social anxiety disorder is known as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Contrary to other conventional therapies ACT does not aim to completely remove anxiety instead it focuses on embracing the feelings of discomfort and anxiety without any kind of pre judgement.
ACT helps individuals:
- Accept anxiety as a natural part of life.
- Commit to values-based actions rather than avoiding social situations.
- Increase psychological flexibility, allowing them to respond to situations in a more balanced and mindful way.
4. Group Therapy:
Though individual psychotherapy can be effective, many individuals with social anxiety disorder prefer to attend group therapy rather than individual therapy. One of the biggest benefits of group therapy is that it involves members undergoing similar difficulties and hence helps them learn social behavior more actively.
In group therapy, individuals can:
- Practice social interactions with others who understand their anxiety.
- Receive feedback from peers and therapists, which can build confidence.
- Learn coping strategies from others who are on the same journey.
5. Social Skills Training:
Training in social skills is usually added to social anxiety treatment, especially in cases where managing social interactions is found to be challenging by the individuals. This therapy integrates both verbal and non-verbal aspects like communication skills, maintaining eye contact, starting a conversation or listening actively to others without thinking anything else.
Social skills training can:
- Build confidence in social situations by improving communication abilities.
- Teach coping mechanisms for handling uncomfortable social encounters.
- Enhance interpersonal relationships by providing practical tools for better social engagement.
Why Therapy Is Essential for Social Anxiety Disorder:
If untreated, social anxiety disorder can get worse over time, it can result in self-isolation, depression and a reduced quality of life. Therapy is an effective way against social anxiety since it empowers a patient with adequate support and skills to improve their social interactions.
Therapy is effective in relieving social anxiety symptoms; moreover, it also assists in enhancing an individual’s self-awareness and resilience. Additionally, by addressing underlying thought patterns, therapy helps individuals build coping strategies, ultimately fostering long-term emotional strength and well-being. With the help of a skilled professional therapist who is proficient in CBT, a patient with social anxiety disorder can learn to effectively interact with others improving their personal, academic, and professional lives.
Conclusion:
Social anxiety disorder is a serious mental health issue that should not be overlooked, but with the right kind of therapy, it can be easily healed. Social anxiety can be managed through exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and other forms of therapy that are used as a prescription for the condition to lead a more fulfilling life.
At Nurturing Wellness, we are committed to helping individuals with social anxiety disorder reclaim their lives. We offer a range of therapeutic options designed to support you on your journey to emotional well-being.
If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety, don’t hesitate to reach out. Therapy can be life-changing, and the sooner you seek help, the sooner you can begin the path to healing.
