Feeling anxious is a normal part of the human experience. But, people living with anxiety disorders experience anxiety at other levels. Anxiety disorders come with symptoms of severe anxiety that are debilitating to daily life, keeping people from doing the things they love and need to do to survive and be happy. One type of anxiety disorder specifically debilitates a person’s social life – it’s called social anxiety. Recognizing social anxiety disorder symptoms can help the people who may be living with this disorder identify it in their own lives. This way, they can research treatment and get the help they need to manage symptoms.

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder is a type of anxiety disorder that negatively affects a person’s relationships and social life. Otherwise called social phobia, social anxiety disorder interferes with a person’s daily life as it can keep them from maintaining healthy relationships, getting out of the house, making friends, and even progressing in their careers.

Recognizing Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

People who are living with social anxiety disorder have a debilitating fear of being judged by other people and, as a result, will avoid interactions with people and steer clear of social events. This means isolating themselves from others which can negatively impact their relationships. Individuals living with social anxiety disorder will also avoid things that bring up anxiety surrounding social interactions like speaking on the phone, going to parties, speaking publicly, etc. Some of the signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:

• feeling very anxious at social gatherings and meetings
• having difficulty meeting new people
• fearing social interactions
• not liking and avoiding attention from others
• having a low sense of self-confidence
• fearing embarrassment in social settings
• difficulty in work settings and progressing in careers from anxiety
• fearing the judgment of other people

Experiencing any of these symptoms could mean that you are suffering from social anxiety disorder. Identifying these symptoms in your life could mean that it may be beneficial to seek out help through treatment for social phobia.

Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

Treatment for social anxiety disorder is much like treatment for other anxiety disorders. It involves a combative approach to addressing anxiety by identifying underlying causes of anxiety, addressing behaviors that result from anxiety, medication management, and holistic techniques. Treatment may also include a variety of behavioral therapies that can help provide tools to identify anxiety triggers and manage anxiety in everyday situations.

Getting Help for Social Anxiety Disorder in Boca Raton

Living with social anxiety disorder can keep you from doing the things you want to do. Living in fear can make having relationships with others difficult – even when relationships are very important to you. So, if you are ready to take control of your anxiety and live a life of better mental well-being, it’s time to seek help. Delray Center for Healing offers outpatient mental health treatment for people experiencing anxiety disorders. At our facility in Boca Raton, we provide many therapeutic outlets for people who are ready to get the help they need. Find out more about our services and programs online on our website and reach out to us to get more information.