People that are suffering from social anxiety might go to great lengths to avoid interactions with strangers, avoid social settings, and most likely even avoid leaving their homes in extreme cases. The individual suffering from this disorder may feel concerned and might have physical symptoms (heart palpitations, sweating, difficulty breathing, or hives) when they’re compelled to interact with others. They may feel as if others are criticizing them, or thinking adversely of them, even when there is no indication that this might be true. Socially anxious people, especially ladies, are also more likely to experience debilitating panic episodes when challenged with an uncomfortable social situation.
Social anxiety might be the sole disorder an individual is afflicted with, but it is likely that another disorder (obsessive compulsive disorder, depression, other stresses and fears, as an example) is usually related and may aggravate or potentiate social fears. Social anxiety, for the majority of people, is a childhood phase that one ultimately conquers. Typically, kids experience social anxiety for a brief period in their preteen years, and learn on their own to deal with it. For others, these coping skills aren’t mastered for who knows what reason and creates issues into adulthood.
Treatment for these people should be sought out before the disorder begins to interfere with relationships, overall happiness, and career decisions. If you suffer with social anxiety, there’s help available. Everyone’s situation- and level of anxiety, is different, and so are the available solutions. For some, exposing themselves to social circumstances, or stepping outside of their “comfort zone”, is the answer they have been looking for.
For other, worse cases, counseling and care could have more benefits. Treatment may include exposing the socially anxious person to increasingly social situations and monitoring stress levels. Other victims of this disorder may gain benefit from taking university classes where they’re almost obligated to have interaction with others.
It really is important to seek help for this disorder as early as possible, so that long term, lasting effects can be avoided. There are quite a few cures out there, you simply have to do your due diligence and decide what will be best for you. Many people have managed to overcome social anxiety. Some have chosen professional help, some self help, and others have opted for alternative methods. Everyone is different. You need to research the options available and choose which one suits you the absolute best.
Social anxiety haunted Lee Nelson until his late 20s. Lee reached a breaking point and decided that he had two choices. He could except things how they were and go on being miserable or he could try to figure out how to overcome social anxiety. He educated himself about the disorder and took steps towards making the issue a thing of the past. He’ll tell you that there is no magical pill which will make all your problems disappear. Through sheer will and determination, with the support of friends and family, he managed to triumph over his problem.