15 Reasons Why You Shouldn't Be Ignoring Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder People with social anxiety disorders are frightened of a variety of social situations. It's distinct from shyness, which can affect you infrequently, but does not cause severe anxiety or fear that can cause problems in your daily activities. The signs include blushing, sweating and trembling. You may also have difficulties speaking. This makes it difficult for people to find jobs, build romantic relationships or even friendships. 1. Worrying about being considered You might be constantly concerned about being considered a failure by other people if you are anxious about social situations. This fear can lead to a variety of social problems that include difficulty at school or work and inability to build relationships. This can make it difficult to face everyday problems and may cause depression or use of drugs. People who suffer from social anxiety are usually afraid of being judged based on their behavior or appearance. They may feel like they are being watched constantly, or that they will be frightened to receive a question they cannot answer. They may also worry that they'll say or do something embarrassing, or that their body language will make them appear anxious or uncomfortable. A lot of these anxieties can be caused by certain social situations, such as talking to strangers or attending parties. In certain situations anxiety can be so intense that one is unable to take part in certain activities such as a job interview, or socializing with their friends. It's important to note that not every person who feels uncomfortable in social settings has social anxiety disorder. In fact, it's common for people to experience a degree of discomfort in a variety of social situations. When it becomes too much and begins to impact a person's everyday life, it is time to seek out professional help. Psychotherapy (especially cognitive behavioral therapy) and medications can help alleviate symptoms of social anxiety disorder. In therapy, a practitioner can assist a patient to recognize the triggers of their anxiety and overcome their fears by gradually building up exposure to the social situations that they are afraid of. Social anxiety disorders is treatable with medication such as selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors. These include sertraline, paroxetine, and venlafaxine. 2. Trouble making eye contact Some people are difficult to look at someone else. They may even feel nauseated. This can be an indication of a social anxiety disorder that is a chronic mental health issue that can seriously affect your quality of life. It's important to note that some nervousness and shyness are normal, but if these symptoms become severe and affect your everyday activities, it's time to seek assistance. In people suffering from social anxiety disorder, the mere eye contact triggers the amygdala – the brain part which triggers a “danger!” response. This can cause feelings of anxiety, fear, and panic, as well as the desire to avoid social situations. People suffering from social anxiety disorder believe that others are always watching and judging them. This may result in them avoiding socializing, which isn't healthy for either the individual or their group. This can cause an increase in performance at work and poor educational outcomes and a poor quality of life in general. Genetics, stress, bad experiences, and overprotective parenting may all contribute to the development of social anxiety disorder. People who are predisposed to the disorder are also more likely to develop major depression and alcohol use disorders that's why it's so important to be aware of and treat social anxiety disorder. Treatment for anxiety-related disorders usually involves the use of therapy, support groups, and medication. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy which teaches you new ways of thinking and acting, reducing your anxiety and anxieties. Antidepressants are often used to treat social anxieties. They include SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac), Sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine(Paxil), SNRIs like venlafaxine(Effexor XR), and SNRIs like Venlafaxine. Talk to your health care provider about the best treatment for you. 3. Feeling nervous in social situations Everyone can feel anxious or uncomfortable in certain social situations like meeting new people, going on dates, or delivering a presentation. However, if these feelings are persistent and interfere with the daily routine, they could be an indication of social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is characterized by a fear of daily social situations like speaking to strangers, making eye contact, and public speaking. This fear is out of proportion to the situation and leads to extreme distress. People with this condition often avoid social situations, which can negatively impact their job, school, and personal relationships. Social anxiety disorders symptoms may include shaking, blushing, or feeling your heart race in these situations. They may also have a “blank mind” and find it difficult to find the appropriate words. People with this condition may stay away from places with lots of people, like the restaurant or grocery store. There is no medical test for the condition however, doctors will employ criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to determine if someone has this condition. They also conduct a physical examination to ensure that the symptoms aren't caused by a non-related medical condition. If you or someone close to you is struggling with social anxiety disorder Don't let it go unnoticed. Counseling and medication may help to ease symptoms and improve quality of life. Talk to your family member or friend when you're worried. Set a date for an open discussion. Seek treatment if their anxiety starts to affect their schoolwork, work or relationships. Text or call 988 Suicide and Crisis Line if you are contemplating suicide. You can also find local support services. 4. Inability to interact with others It's normal for you to feel nervous when you're in social situations. For instance, when you are on a date with someone or presenting a presentation at your workplace. If these feelings of fear and anxiety become overwhelming and interfere with your everyday life it could be the right the time to seek help. This is particularly relevant if the symptoms are causing anxiety in your relationships, work or school performance, and/or other activities. Although it is a term it is more than just shyness. The shyness diminishes as you age, but the fear and aversion to social anxiety disorder can last for a long time and can have a significant impact on your life. This is a common mental health problem that typically begins in the teenage years, but it can be present at any age. Some people suffer from anxiety that is high-functioning, which allows them to live a full life despite their fears. These individuals still struggle with social interactions, but it does not keep from seeking romantic partners, applying for jobs or volunteering. Social anxiety can make it difficult for people to find a romantic partner and apply for jobs or volunteer. This could negatively impact their professional and personal life. The good news is that both psychotherapy and medications can aid people in overcoming their social anxiety disorder. Talk therapy, for instance cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), can help you to change your negative thoughts and behaviors that cause your anxiety. Medications like selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) can also help reduce anxiety and improve mood. Your doctor will go over all options with you and recommend the right treatment for you. If you're ready for the first step toward overcoming your social anxiety disorder, BetterHelp can connect you with a therapist who specializes in treating these conditions. Take our assessment and we will match you with the right therapist. 5. Feeling out of control Social anxiety disorder can make people feel out of control and powerless. This can make them prone to impulse-driven behavior which includes purchasing lots of expensive goods or placing themselves in dangerous situations. Being out of control can make it difficult to concentrate at school or at work, as well as other activities. If you or someone you know is having these feelings, it's important to seek help. It's not normal to experience such a high level of anxiety in social situations, and it could interfere with your life and create other problems. There are a variety of treatments available for social anxiety disorder. You may choose from psychotherapy (or talking therapy) or medication, or both. Psychotherapy can teach you strategies for coping and modify your perspective on social situations. The use of medication can reduce the physical symptoms of anxiety, like rapid heart rate and sweating. There are many types of medicines that can be utilized to treat social anxiety disorders and it's usually necessary to test several before settling on one that you like. Consult your doctor immediately if you suspect that you or someone you know has social anxiety disorder. They will ask questions about your symptoms and do an examination to make sure there are no other reasons for anxiety, like medication or a medical condition. Your doctor will prescribe treatment if there's an issue. The treatments could include medication, psychotherapy, or both. Follow your doctor's instructions if you decide to take medication. Do not stop taking medication for anxiety abruptly, as it could have serious negative side effects.