Social settings, particularly new and unusual ones, could make you anxious. You might be worried before presenting an important presentation at the workplace or delivering a speech at a meeting. You might also be worried about attending a party with individuals you are unfamiliar with or going out on a date. Even the most self-confident people are anxious in these scenarios from time to time.

When daily encounters cause severe feelings of uneasiness or anxiety, this might be an indication of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder (SAD) can influence every part of your life and extends further than unusual shyness. But, if you are suffering anxiety & dread in your daily life, such as friendships, university, workplace, or other tasks, you might have a social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety can cause psychological, behavioural, and physical problems.

Physical signs of social anxiety could also include:

  • Blushing  
  • Giddiness
  • Unsteadiness
  • Fast heartbeat   
  • Covered with sweat
  • Nauseousness
  • Sick stomach
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Muscle pain
  • Brain fog
  • Emotional blindness

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) symptoms can fluctuate over time. They might improve or deteriorate based on the various scenarios you face on a daily basis. Though avoiding certain circumstances might help you feel better in the short term, it may have long-term negative effects, such as anxiety and depression  

Some mental and behavioural symptoms of social anxiety include:

  • Fear of being humiliated
  • Fear of conversing with strangers
  • Fear of being judged in situations
  • Fear that people may see your nervousness
  • Fear that people would notice any bodily signs such as sweating or shivering
  • The fear of becoming the subject of attention
  • Fear of social settings/ situations

The following are some of the outcomes of Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD):

  • Anxiety  
  • Depression  
  •  Seclusion/ Isolation  
  • Lack of self-confidence.
  • Sensitized to others’ judgment   
  • Negative mindsets
  • Suicide thoughts 

Social anxiety could be very distressing and unpleasant. The good thing is that it can be treated. Whether you or someone you love suffers from social anxiety and wishes to find relief, it is crucial to seek expert assistance. A doctor can handle social anxiety through a variety of methods, such as psychotherapy, medicines, or a mixture of both.

Psychotherapy, also called counselling is an effective treatment for social anxiety. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is frequently the most widely used method. CBT teaches you new methods for thinking, responding, and adapting to certain situations. Throughout CBT, you will gradually and steadily adapt any learning into everyday situations that would typically cause anxiety. CBT can be experienced either individually or with groups. Individual therapy consists of both you and your therapist engaging together to resolve any challenges you may be experiencing. Where in group therapy, 1 mental health specialist will serve as the moderator, and there will be anywhere between 3 to 10 additional people who wish to help resolve their social anxiety condition.  In order to cure SAD, various medications are utilized. Such as:

  • Antidepressants such as SSRIs and SNRIs are used to treat mental illness, anxiety, as well as other mood disorders.
  • Benzos and other anti-anxiety drugs.
  •  β-blockers.

Brain Spa is the first REMS certified Spravato treatment center to offer Spravato for patients with Treatment Resistant Depression. A wide range of mental health treatments and therapies, including social anxiety disorder therapy. If you live in the Wilmington, Delaware area and are seeking a specialised and holistic treatment programme, Brain Spa is the place to go. Every person is unique, as are their problems; Brain Spa acknowledges this and tailors SPRAVATO treatment solutions to each individual. SPRAVATO is the first prescription nasal spray used in combination with oral antidepressants for those with Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD).

To learn more, please call us at 302 449 6601 or mail us at [email protected].  Let’s get started on overcoming social anxiety.