Many people feel at least somewhat anxious in social situations. People with these feelings generally remain healthy and functional most of the time. However, in some cases, anxiety grows strong enough to interfere with the ability to function. If this is true for you, you may have an illness called social anxiety disorder. An anxiety treatment program in Louisiana will help you recover from this disorder. Experts also typically recommend that you do additional things to overcome your condition.
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is also sometimes known as social phobia. If you have this illness, you don’t just feel a bit shy or nervous in social situations. Instead, you feel any of a range of symptoms that impair your ability to function. Common examples of these symptoms include:
- An accelerated heartbeat
- Stomach distress
- An inability to think clearly
- Excessive sweating
- Trembling muscles
- Body rigidity
- Blushing
- A strong sense of self-consciousness
- Notable fear of being judged negatively by others
Your anxiety may lead you to avoid social situations. In such situations, you may have a hard time making eye contact. You may also find it difficult to talk to other people, especially strangers. These problems can occur even when you want to make social contact.
Anxiety in Children Vs. Anxiety in Adults
Most people with social anxiety disorder first develop symptoms as young children or early teens. Anxiety in children often takes more subtle forms than anxiety in adults. Affected kids and teens may just seem unusually shy. They may also avoid social interactions or situations more often than their peers.
Girls and women develop severe social anxiety more often than boys and men. This is especially true for older teens and younger adults. Unless you receive treatment, your symptoms may last for much or all of your life.
Overcoming Social Anxiety Through Formal Treatment
Both psychotherapy and medication can help you cope with social anxiety disorder. The primary therapy option is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. You may particularly benefit from a CBT technique called exposure therapy. Acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT, may also help you recover.
Several kinds of medication may form part of your treatment plan. The most common choices include anti-anxiety meds and antidepressants. Medications called beta-blockers may help you control certain physical anxiety symptoms. Be aware that it can take some time before your treatment starts to work.
Additional Methods of Overcoming Social Anxiety
Mental health specialists recommend that you do more than seek formal treatment for anxiety. Additional steps you can take include:
- Joining a social anxiety support group
- Seeking personal support from family and friends
- Paying frequent attention to your current anxiety levels
- Recognizing when your anxiety symptoms are growing more intense
- Asking for professional help when your own efforts are not enough
You can also benefit from maintaining a lifestyle that supports your general mental health. This kind of lifestyle includes regular exercise and a balanced diet. It’s also important for you to get adequate amounts of sleep.
Get Help Overcoming Social Anxiety at Springfield Wellness Center
Do you or your loved one need help coping with serious social anxiety? Turn to the professionals at Springfield Wellness Center. We feature a dedicated anxiety treatment program among our many recovery options. This program not only helps you address the effects of social anxiety. It also helps you recover from any related substance or mental health issues.
All of our treatment plans are customized to meet your specific situation. Your options include medication, psychotherapy, and NAD+ brain restoration. Call us today at 844.334.4727 or reach out through our online form for more information.