Thursday, December 16, 2010

Social Anxiety Support

Social anxiety support groups can be a great way to not only overcome social anxiety, but meet new people, thus interacting in social situations. If you have ever gone to a social anxiety support group, you may have been nervous at first and experienced high levels of anxiety. Though, if you keep going the anxiety subsides and you can feel comfortable while gaining the social anxiety support you need.

I am pointing this out because if you think about it, it would make sense to experience anxiety in a social anxiety support group as this is a social situation- but you don't. Why is that? You are interacting with a group of other people, why aren't you anxious?

Social Anxiety: What are we Afraid of?

When we suffer from social anxiety, we often think we know what we are afraid of. We think we are afraid of being embarrassed by doing something or saying something stupid. We may be afraid that others might be judging us or disapproving of us-the way we look, the clothes we wear. The truth is that we are not afraid of any of these things. We are afraid of our feelings. We are afraid of fear!

Sunday, December 12, 2010

Social Anxiety Symptoms

The symptoms of social anxiety may often be misunderstood as shyness, or anti-social behavior. Social anxiety symptoms can include both physical as well as emotional symptoms. The more common symptoms are as follows:

Thursday, December 9, 2010

Social Anxiety and Depression

Did you know that social anxiety can lead to depression? Unfortunately, many social anxiety sufferers avoid social situations such as going out into public situations where they may fear experiencing anxiety. Often, social anxiety may keep a person locked up in their house. The lack of socialization or social contact can lead to depression.
It's not always the case that someone who suffers from social anxiety is shy or anti-social. Actually, many social anxiety sufferers tend to be very outgoing, enjoy socializing and making new friends. Though, the experience of anxiety in social situations deters them from engaging in future social events for fear of experiencing anxiety.

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Social Anxiety

Social anxiety disorder is also referred to as social phobia. This is an anxiety disorder in which a person is abnormally fearful of social situations. The social anxiety stems from the fear of being scrutinized, judged, or criticized by others.
One who suffers from social anxiety may be afraid that he or she will do something to embarrass or humiliate themselves in front of others. A lack of social skills or not being used to social settings can make matters worse. Often, the anxiety can progress into an anxiety or panic attack. This can lead to the sufferer avoiding future social events. It’s also fairly common for people who suffer from social anxiety to also have what is

Monday, November 29, 2010

Anxiety and Medication

Many people may believe that anti anxiety medications might offer a quick solution to your anxiety problem. They are not always the best method of treatment, or necessary. Anti anxiety medication may include benzodiazepines--the more traditional anxiety medication--, SSRI’s (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), antidepressants or beta-blockers. Medication can help reduce your anxiety disorder while you receive therapy to get to the root of the problem. Though, just to let you know that these types of drugs don't cure the cause of the anxiety disorder and they do come with side effects. Taking these types of medications for an extended period of time is not recommended.