Social Anxiety is an Anxiety disorder triggered during social interactions, where people will typically fear judgement from others and worry that they come across badly during social interactions. This is often accompanied by an increased anxiety in anticipation of social events and rumination after the event. For some people, this is triggered by interactions with strangers or by large groups, whilst for others it can occur in closer relationships and 1:1 interactions.
People with Social Anxiety will typically avoid social situations where possible, or will adopt a number of strategic behaviours to help them cope with the situation and to try to conceal their anxiety.
Key Symptoms
- Increased heart rate
- Stomach churning
- Nausea
- Sweating
- Increase in body temperature
- Shortness of breath
- Shaking
- Wobbly legs
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Avoidance of social situations
- Avoidance of eye contact
- Anxiety in anticipation of social events
- Anxiety following a social event
- Focus the conversation on others
- Preparing what to say before speaking
- Fearing negative judgement from others
Treatment
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Contact us to book an assessment and discuss treatment options.