While some people feed off the energy of being in a crowd of people, others may feel uncomfortable in those situations. If you find yourself avoiding social situations because of fear, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder. Some people get to a point where they are unable to function because of the condition. Red Oak Recovery® offers therapy services that can help you manage the symptoms of a social anxiety disorder. To learn more about the treatment options available for those suffering from a social anxiety disorder, please call Red Oak Recovery® today at 866.457.7590.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, causes feelings of anxiety when confronted with the prospect of entering a social situation. You may feel embarrassed at the idea of putting yourself out there, thinking it’s going to lead to humiliation. There may also be fear of being judged and rejected during the experience.
It’s common for people to feel nervous about giving a presentation at work or speaking in public. Social anxiety produces intense emotions that may be strong enough to prevent you from doing things like going to work or even stopping by the grocery store. You may recognize the irrationality of your response but feel unable to push through the grips of your fear.
Situations that can trigger a reaction include:
- Encountering people at school or work
- Going into a public restroom
- Speaking in front of a classroom
- Having people see you eating or drinking
- Meeting new people
These scenarios can be frightening at best and overwhelming in most cases.
What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorders often arise from a complex mix of factors, like:
- Having a family history of anxiety or other mental health disorders
- The way your brain is structured
- The environment in which you were raised or are currently living in
- Past events that caused you to have an anxious reaction
Adverse experiences like bullying or rejection from your peers can cause the development of a social anxiety disorder. You may also have a temperament that does not respond well to new situations.
Starting a new job or interacting with an unfamiliar social group can also contribute to your symptoms. People with visible facial impairments or conditions that set them apart might be self-conscious about what people are thinking.
You may find that your social anxiety disorder is controlling your life. It may be keeping you from taking advantage of opportunities that arise or meeting new people. Treatment at Red Oaks Recovery may be beneficial in helping you learn to enter new situations without overwhelming feelings of fear.
What Are Some Common Social Anxiety Symptoms?
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder often include physical symptoms like:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Trembling
- Tense muscle
- Struggling to think clearly
- Problems breathing
Some people experience only mild symptoms of social anxiety disorder. They can grow and ebb in intensity as time passes. Your symptoms may flare up during times when you feel stressed or have a lot asked of you.
Seek Treatment at Red Oak Recovery®
It’s a good idea to seek advice from a mental health professional if your social anxiety disorder symptoms persist. They can evaluate your physical and psychological health to confirm whether another condition causes your symptoms.
You may be a candidate for treatment at Red Oaks Recovery if you feel like your life has been put on hold because of your social anxiety disorder. Some people start taking drugs and alcohol to manage their symptoms and end up with a substance user disorder.
Psychotherapy like cognitive-behavioral therapy can help you get to the root of what may be triggering your social anxiety disorder. At Red Oak Recovery®, you can learn different coping techniques that help you navigate tricky social situations. We can also help you treat other conditions like:
- Co-occurring disorder
- Depression treatment
- Trauma treatment
- Anxiety treatment
If you’re tired of letting your social anxiety disorder hold you back from your goals, contact Red Oak Recovery® at 866.457.7590.
