Social Anxiety Disorder - SAD

 Author: Grace Godwin

Social anxiety disorder is also known as social phobia. It is a mental health condition that involves the intense and persistent fear of being watched and judged by others. It also involves fear of social interactions. 

Persons with this disorder fear being humiliated or embarrassed in social and/or performance situations by their actions and may become intensely anxious, with an increased heart rate, diaphoresis, and other signs of autonomic arousal. These physical symptoms may cause additional anxiety, often leading to a conditioned fear response that reinforces their anxiety in public situations.

They are scared that they will say or do something that they think will be humiliating or embarrassing (such as blushing, sweating, shaking, looking anxious, or appearing boring, stupid or incompetent). Whenever possible, people with a social anxiety disorder will attempt to avoid their most feared situations. 

Personal experience

"I didn't realize early on that I had social anxiety disorder. I thought I was just being shy. It was when I got to the university that I found out that I was battling with Social anxiety disorder. I had problems talking with people, meeting new people, going outside, and facing a crowd, I felt like everyone was looking at me when I was outside, so I preferred to stay indoors. I was even scared of making calls, ordering food at a restaurant, scared of offending people. I thought nothing of it at first but it continued and it was affecting my productivity and the way I relate with people.

This year I decided to try reverse therapy and faced situations I was scared of. I faced them alone, they were frightening at first but I'm not so scared of them anymore. I still have a social anxiety disorder but it's very minimal now."

                                                                         ~ Anonymous 

The root cause of all social anxiety attacks is fear. When we fear being judged by others, when we fear judgment for ourselves, when we don't fit into societal norms, or when we believe that it will be worse if we are judged — these are all triggers for our fears of embarrassment.

Most people think SAD is being shy but it is way more than being shy. Social anxiety is a real mental health condition experienced by real people.

Social anxiety can be corrected with various treatment options. It can help people manage their symptoms, gain confidence, and overcome their anxiety.

However, without treatment, social anxiety disorder may persist throughout life. Although it may feel better or worse at certain times.

Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is a common treatment for anxiety disorders. It aims at helping an individual recognize and change negative thoughts or beliefs about social situations. It also aims to change people’s behaviours or reactions to situations that trigger anxiety.

A range of medications can help people manage the symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

The three main types are antianxiety medications, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.

To everyone dealing with Social Anxiety Disorder, psychosope is using this medium to reach out to you. 

Don't let your insecurities hinder you from portraying the outstanding spirit you have in you.

Cheers to a New you🥂