When you get butterflies before making a presentation, or dream up a list of reasons to skip your high school reunion, you are showing signs of anxiety that almost everyone feels sometime in life. Social experiences are part of growing up, and most people have learned to take this normal anxiety in stride by the time they reach adulthood. For some 15 million American adults who suffer from social anxiety disorder (SAD), however, the fear of new relationships and social interactions is debilitating.More than Being Shy
Social anxiety disorder is characterized by distorted thinking and fear of being judged or evaluated by others. People who exhibit this disorder may be extremely self-conscious, easily embarrassed, and fearful that they can’t measure up to what others expect of them. Their fear is so great that it can cause physical symptoms like dizziness, nausea, racing heart, and shortness of breath.
Lives Shaped by Anxiety
To avoid being judged or even noticed, people with SAD curtail social interaction, try to hide in the background, and may even turn to self-medication. Their social anxiety impacts all areas of life: holding a job, advancing at work, developing friendships and romantic relationships, and enjoying activities and recreation. More than 36% of adults with SAD have suffered with symptoms for 10 or more years before they finally received treatment.
Overcoming Social Anxiety
Individuals who seek and follow treatment can make permanent changes in their lives. Effective therapies for SAD include:
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy, which helps to rewire the brain and reverse distorted thinking and behavior.
• Behavioral group therapy that incorporates role-playing and social skills training.
• Supervised pharmaceutical treatment using beta-blockers, benzodiazepines, or anti-depressants. This can relieve symptoms of anxiety, but are not a cure.
• Anxiety management techniques like breathing exercises and meditation.
• Lifestyle changes for better health, including limiting caffeine, not smoking, prioritizing sleep.
• Diagnosis & treatment of co-occurring disorders like addiction, depression, and obsessive-compulsive behavior.
Holistic CA Rehab
If you have been self-medicating to ease your fear of social interactions, Complete Harmony can help you to leave your fear and addiction behind. With comfortable detox, holistic therapies, and dual-diagnosis treatment, you’ll get the personalized help you need to experience a fuller, more satisfying life. Don’t sit on the sidelines any longer. Dial 866.930.4673 now to begin the enrollment process.
