It’s not unusual to feel butterflies in your tummy while standing behind the curtains waiting to be called on to stage to deliver a speech.Feeling nervous is normal when you’re about to get interviewed for a job. As a matter of fact, occasional cases of nerves are absolutely normal. However, if you’re so scared of public embarrassment you do everything to avoid uncomfortable social situations, you could have a social anxiety disorder.
You would also find this helpful: Symptoms of Social Anxiety .
This condition is very disturbing because it diminishes the quality of life lived by those who suffer from it. We all acknowledge the physical symptoms and the anxiety are out of proportion. To the sufferer however, it’s too real. Research on the cause of social anxiety might uncover genetic links to this disorder.But before the release of conclusive evidence, therapy is still the recommended treatment.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as a Social Anxiety Treatment .
Cognitive Behavioral Theraphy (CBT) has been found to be the best for panic attacks, social and other anxiety disorders. Of the many methods available, CBT is the most recommended treatment. It’s logic is easy: Your thoughts dictate your feelings and your feelings dictate your behavior.
CBT attempts to help you untangle the cause of your symptoms, as well as help you manage them.Typically, the process has three steps: First, it instructs you on ways to cope with, and in time overcome, physical symptoms. Controlled breathing techniques are effective for minimizing ragged breathing. Next, you get the hang of challenging negative thoughts and have new ones. Last but definitely not the least, you develop confidence in facing what used to be stressful situations through gradual exposure. Despite being theoretically a group activity, you can go through desensitization in private counseling sessions.
Here is a second recommended reading: Social Anxiety Secrets .
Alternative Methods for Social Anxiety Treatment.
The severity of each case of social anxiety varies from case to case; CBT is not needed in every case. When it’s mild or moderate, self-help, often with body relaxation and breathing techniques.
For example, practicing controlled breathing alleviates physical symptoms of anxiety. When your breathing is irregular, you may feel dizzy or may begin hyperventilating. Escalating pulse rates and building muscular tension can be expected of this symptom. Strive to regain an even breathing pattern to release tension and help you relax.As you take in more oxygen, your heart rate scales down to normal.
Substituting unhealthy patterns with healthy habits works wonders, too. Having a cup of chamomile, green or white tea instead of a cup of coffee reduces your anxiety symptoms immediately. A powerful stimulant, coffee elevates your heart rate; Chamomile tea has age-old sedating effects.
To learn more on this, see Treatment for Social Anxiety .
