Overcoming Social Anxiety: Recognizing Symptoms, Examples, and Treatment Options

The psychiatrists at Mental Health and Wellness Associates, based in Santa Monica, California and seeing patients via telehealth all over California, frequently work with individuals grappling with social anxiety, a condition that can significantly impact their daily lives. 

In this article, we aim to help you understand the symptoms of social anxiety, provide examples of situations where it may arise, and explore treatment options to effectively manage and overcome this challenging condition.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety:

Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is characterized by an intense fear of social situations. Some common symptoms include:

1.    Fear of Judgment: Feeling excessively self-conscious and worrying about being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social interactions.

2.    Avoidance of Social Situations: Going to great lengths to avoid or escape from situations that may trigger anxiety, such as parties, public speaking, or social gatherings.

3.    Physical Discomfort: Experiencing physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, sweating, trembling, blushing, dry mouth, muscle tension, or gastrointestinal distress.

4.    Negative Self-Image: Having low self-esteem, negative self-perception, and a tendency to excessively scrutinize one's own behavior and performance.

5.    Overwhelming Anxiety: Feeling intense anxiety or panic before, during, or after social situations, making it challenging to engage and connect with others.

Examples of Social Anxiety:

Social anxiety can manifest in various situations, including:

1.    Public Speaking: The fear of speaking in front of a large audience, whether it's giving a presentation at work, delivering a speech, or participating in group discussions.

2.    Meeting New People: Feeling apprehensive and anxious when meeting new individuals, making small talk, or initiating conversations.

3.    Performance or Evaluation Situations: Experiencing heightened anxiety during exams, job interviews, evaluations, or any situation where one's abilities may be assessed.

4.    Social Events: Feeling uncomfortable or anxious in social gatherings, parties, or events where interaction with unfamiliar people is expected.

5.    Everyday Interactions: Experiencing anxiety in common situations such as going to restaurants, shopping, or using public transportation due to fear of judgment or scrutiny.

Treatment Options for Social Anxiety:

Fortunately, social anxiety is a treatable condition, and several effective treatment options can help manage its symptoms:

A.    Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely recognized and effective therapy for social anxiety. It focuses on identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs, learning new coping strategies, and gradually facing feared social situations to reduce anxiety.

B.    Exposure Therapy: Gradual and systematic exposure to anxiety-provoking social situations under the guidance of a therapist can help individuals overcome their fears and build confidence.

C.    Medication: In many cases, medication may be prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of social anxiety. Sometimes, medications can be used as needed, before an anxiety provoking event. In other cases, a daily medication can be helpful to get a head of the anxiety, especially if it is frequent or triggers are difficult to predict. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), beta-blockers or benzodiazepines are just a few of the examples of medications that could used to reduce anxiety levels. Medication is often used in conjunction with therapy for the most optimal outcomes.

D.    Support Groups: Participating in support groups or group therapy can provide a supportive environment where individuals can share experiences, learn from others, and practice social skills.

E.    Self-Care and Stress Management: Engaging in self-care practices such as regular exercise, getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques (e.g., deep breathing, mindfulness), and managing stress levels can help alleviate social anxiety symptoms.

How to Seek Help:

If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety, remember that seeking professional help is a courageous step towards reclaiming control over your life. A psychiatrist can provide a comprehensive evaluation, offer guidance, and develop an individualized treatment plan tailored to your specific needs.

You don't have to face social anxiety alone. With the right support and treatment, you can overcome the limitations it imposes and thrive in social interactions.

If you live in the state of California and are looking for help, we would be happy to speak with you. Mental Health and Wellness Associates was founded in Santa Monica, California. Our top psychiatrists meet with patients via secure video (telehealth aka telepsychiatry) with patients all over the state of California. So whether you live near Los Angeles, San Francisco, Palo Alto, Sacramento, San Diego or anywhere else in California, we are able to help.  

If you are interested in becoming a new patient, please schedule a time to speak with our practice manager (using the "book online" button above) or call our office today.

References:

American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: Author.

National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Social Anxiety Disorder: More Than Just Shyness. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml.

Rodebaugh, T. L., et al. (2011). The Fear of Positive Evaluation Scale: Assessing a Proposed Cognitive Component of Social Anxiety. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 25(2), 222-232.

Mayo Clinic. (2021). Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia). Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/social-anxiety-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20353561.