Social anxiety is the second-most prevalent anxiety disorder, affecting about 1 in 10 adults and teens. Things like social media, major technological advances and even current events are making it increasingly more common.
To learn about this disorder and how it can be treated, WellTuned spoke with Rhonda Roper, behavioral health clinical director for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee.
Understanding social anxiety
Rhonda Roper: An important thing to understand is that social anxiety isn’t the same as being shy. You can be shy or reserved without having social anxiety disorder. The National Institute of Mental Health describes social anxiety as “intense, persistent fear of being watched and judged by others.”
Consider these questions:
Are you intensely worried that you will do something embarrassing in front of other people?
Do you skip social events because you get sick to your stomach when thinking about going?
If your answer is “yes” to either of these questions, you may have social anxiety. It can take a significant toll on your ability to work, go to school, and carry out normal daily activities.
How to identify social anxiety
Rhonda Roper: Intense emotional or physical symptoms that interfere with your ability to function in social situations may be signs of social anxiety. The intensity of symptoms is the key.
Some of these symptoms include:
- Blushing
- Sweating
- Trembling
- Rapid heart rate
- Feeling nauseated
- Trouble making eye contact
- Trouble catching your breath
Social anxiety disorder tends to develop in the early-to-mid teens. But adults and children can also develop social anxiety.
How to treat social anxiety
Rhonda Roper: If anxiety affects your life, a health care provider can evaluate you for a possible diagnosis.
Treatments for social anxiety include medications, cognitive behavioral therapy and lifestyle changes.
Medications. Your doctor might prescribe a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). If you have performance anxiety, your doctor might prescribe a beta blocker.
Cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy helps many people with anxiety disorders. Your therapist will help identify negative thought patterns and steps to address them. You’ll learn coping strategies to help you get through a stressful situation.
Lifestyle changes. Practicing mindfulness, breathing techniques and exercise can help you feel less anxious. Reducing your alcohol intake and getting enough sleep can help, too.
“If anxiety makes you unable to function in social situations, it could be time to seek help,” Rhonda says. “Social anxiety is manageable. It may take some trial and error to find the strategies that work best for you, but it’s worth the effort.”
More from Rhonda Roper on WellTuned
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