You Can Learn How To Overcome Social Anxiety

To Learn How to overcome social anxiety it is first necessary to understand what it means. Many people are shy or tentative in social situations, and may be hesitant to fully express themselves for fear of ridicule or scrutiny. This is fairly common and not necessarily an indication of social anxiety. In social anxiety disorder the fear of social situations runs much deeper than simple shyness.

People suffering from social anxiety disorder—a legitimate mental illness—will feel an overwhelming sense of fear or dread of either participating in certain social events or in social situations generally. The fear will be chronic and persistent, they will be afraid of being judged by others or humiliated by their own actions. The fear will usually be abstract and irrational and not directly tied to any actual event or scrutiny. Physical symptoms will also be present.

Sufferers of social anxiety will feel blush or flushed when confronted with social interaction. They may begin to feel dizzy or nauseated. Their heart will race, their voice will stammer and they may even begin trembling or shaking. This fear, over time, can often cause people to completely isolate themselves and avoid relationships altogether.

In trying to overcome social anxiety, very few people will seek out professional help. They are embarrassed by their symptoms, and although they sense that their shyness is much more than just a normal reaction to these social situations, they are hesitant to ask for assistance.

For those who do seek help to cope with the disorder, medication and psychotherapy have both been used to combat the illness with some success, although these methods are limited in what they can provide. Antidepressant and anti-anxiety medication, for example, can only treat the symptoms of the illness. To overcome social anxiety a more comprehensive strategy is warranted.

Besides medication there are several accepted techniques that may help people overcome social anxiety disorder. Below is a list of just a few of those methods:

Exposure therapy. Just like it sounds, this form of treatment involves gradual exposure to situations or places which seem to cause anxiety. It may involve a 5 minute visit to a restaurant, or a 10 minute trip to the mall. This treatment revolves around the notion that only by facing your fears can you begin to overcome them.
Social skills training. This technique involves rehearsing and role playing social situations so the patient begins to feel more comfortable as a participant.
Cognitive restructuring. This is a fancy term which can be defined as learning to change the way you think about certain situations. Only by identifying fearful thoughts can you begin to change them.
Relaxation exercises. Techniques that teach you how to control your breathing and relax the body during a social anxiety event can help significantly reduce the severity of the symptoms and the duration of the attack.
Family therapy or group therapy. Support from loved ones or from those who can relate to your illness can be very instrumental in helping to overcome social anxiety.

To learn how to overcome social anxiety you must first accept that you are not at fault. It is an illness which affects millions of people around the world and its effects can be paralyzing. Seek out help if you feel the anxiety in your life has become unmanageable. There are treatments available which can help you cope with the effects and there are people who are willing to help you.