Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is an overwhelming and persistent fear of all social situations. Many of us occasionally worry about social occasions, such as public speaking or a job interview, but social anxiety is an on-going and intense fear that can disrupt everyday activities.
A person who experiences SAD should not be dismissed as merely shy or introverted as the condition can cripple all aspects of the person’s life. Talking with colleagues, meeting new people, forming relationships or even eating in front of others can all cause a sensation of anxiety or the fear that they will be embarrassed or rejected.
The symptoms of SAD can be both psychological and physical. Physically they may feel nauseous or shaky, or their heart rate can increase causing further distress.
A person may feel they will embarrass themselves in a social situation or worry that other people will judge or humiliate them. Some may also feel the need to use alcohol in order to cope in with their anxiety when faced with a social event.
In extreme cases, a person with SAD may start feeling anxious about a social situation days or weeks before the event takes place; or use avoidance tactics as a coping mechanism when they feel the situation is too overwhelming to deal with.
Specific and general social anxiety disorders
Often, people have a specific social anxiety, such a fear of speaking in public, or anxieties around people watching them eat, and their phobia does not cross into other areas. For those with generalised SAD, social anxiety will make them feel uncomfortable and distressed in almost all life situations.
CBT can reduce the symptoms of SAD
But SAD shouldn’t act as a barrier for anyone to reach their potential; in fact, statistics show that up to 1 in 10 people* are affected to some degree by social anxiety disorder. Sadly, due to the nature of social anxiety, taking the first step towards seeking help can feel difficult for people with the condition.
CBT professionals understand the barriers that need to be overcome to allow a person with SAD to get the help they need. They can work with the client to make them feel reassured that they are visiting a safe space, or if preferred they can take part in 1-1 online sessions which may make them feel less anxious.
Whether it is delivered in person or via online sessions, CBT is an effective and proven way to help overcome social anxiety. With specialist cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), the symptoms of social anxiety can be reduced and managed in a more effective manner.
CBT is an evidence-based talking therapy that has a proven track-record for helping social anxiety sufferers. The therapy promotes a healthier way of thinking and reacting to the type of social circumstances that have previously made a person feel fearful or worried.
By learning to identify the distracting thoughts that trigger their social anxiety a CBT therapist can guide their client to restructure their thinking and develop a more constructive outlook towards social settings.
Mindfulness is another technique that helps clients focus on their thoughts in a very present way, rather than getting tangled in a web of anxiety about future events or social situations. By learning to accept and then set aside distracting and unhelpful thoughts and feelings a person can refocus on the conversation or social interaction taking place with more confidence. Over time, social situations will become less uncomfortable and happen more naturally.
Don’t suffer with social anxiety disorder—we can help
Jamie Dempsey is a respected and accredited Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist with the British Association for Behavioural Psychotherapies (BABCP: 090911). He has over two decades worth of clinical practice experience working within primary and secondary mental healthcare settings.
Jamie has proven experience in helping clients understand how their social anxiety issues cause unwanted thoughts and helps them to recognize their strong points and rethink their attitude towards social situations. Contact Jamie and take the first step towards sustaining fulfilled and healthy social relationships free from anxiety.
