Social Anxiety

It is a common mental health condition characterized by a persistent and intense fear of social situations. People with social anxiety may feel self-conscious and anxious in social situations, which can affect their ability to establish relationships, make friends, and participate in daily activities. Fortunately, social anxiety is treatable, and there are several strategies that individuals can use to manage their symptoms.

One of the most effective ways to manage social anxiety is to seek professional help. Mental health professionals, such as psychologists and therapists, can provide support, guidance, and evidence-based treatments that can help individuals learn how to manage their symptoms.

In addition to seeking professional help, there are several other strategies that individuals can use to manage social anxiety:

• Practice relaxation techniques: Deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and mindfulness meditation are all techniques that can help reduce anxiety and promote relaxation. Practicing these techniques regularly can help individuals manage their social anxiety symptoms.
• Challenge negative thoughts: People with social anxiety often have negative thoughts and beliefs about themselves and their ability to cope with social situations. Challenging these thoughts by seeking evidence that supports or contradicts them can help individuals develop more realistic and positive self-talk.
• Gradually face fears: Exposure therapy is a form of therapy that involves gradually exposing individuals to situations that trigger their anxiety. This can help them desensitize themselves to the anxiety-provoking situation and build confidence in their ability to cope.
• Build a support network: Supportive friends and family members can be a valuable source of emotional support for people with social anxiety. Joining a support group or participating in online forums can also provide a sense of community and help individuals feel less alone in their struggles.
• Take care of yourself: Regular exercise, a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding drugs and alcohol can help individuals manage their symptoms of social anxiety.

Social anxiety can manifest itself in many different forms and can affect individuals in a variety of social situations. Some common forms of social anxiety include:

• Performance anxiety: This is the fear of performing in front of others, such as giving a speech, singing, or playing an instrument. Individuals with performance anxiety may experience physical symptoms such as sweating, trembling, and heart palpitations, which can make it difficult to perform.
• Public speaking anxiety: This is a specific form of performance anxiety that involves fear and anxiety related to public speaking. It is one of the most common phobias and can be a significant obstacle to professional and personal development.
• Social phobia: This is a more general form of social anxiety that involves fear and anxiety related to various social situations. People with social phobia may feel self-conscious and anxious in situations such as meeting new people, attending parties, and speaking in a group.
• Fear of judgment: This is the fear that others will judge or criticize you. Individuals with this form of social anxiety may avoid social situations altogether to avoid the possibility of judgment or criticism.
• Fear of Embarrassment: This is the fear of doing or saying something embarrassing in front of others. Individuals with this form of social anxiety may avoid situations in which they believe they might be embarrassed, such as going to parties or participating in group activities.
• Fear of intimacy: This is the fear of being emotionally vulnerable with others. People with this form of social anxiety may have difficulty forming close relationships or may avoid intimate situations altogether.

It is worth noting that social anxiety can also be comorbid with other mental health conditions, such as depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In some cases, social anxiety can be a symptom of another underlying condition, such as autism spectrum disorder (ASD) or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

If you are experiencing social anxiety, it is important to seek help from a mental health professional who can assess your symptoms and provide appropriate treatment. Treatment may include therapy, medication, or a combination of both. With the right treatment and support, it is possible to manage social anxiety and lead a fulfilling life.

*Key words: Fear of public speaking, shame, vulnerability, psychotherapy, psychotherapist Zagreb

*Photo: GettyImages
*Contact: Make an appointment
*For companies: Creative Director