Feeling occasionally nervous or shy in social situations can happen. Most people handle these uncomfortable social moments. However, individuals suffering from social phobia (otherwise known as social anxiety disorder), experience excessive anxiety about future social events, even weeks before the date. This extreme and uncontrollable anxiety of being in an uncomfortable social situation or of public embarrassment can disrupt the person’s ability to function in parts of daily life. These issues can run in families and may develop in childhood.
A qualified therapist can assist individuals with handling and distinguishing between normal feelings of social anxiety and areas where they suffer social phobia. Causes of social phobia are different between individuals, and your therapist will help you identify your own personal triggers related to this type of phobia.
Symptoms of Social Phobia
Social Phobia, which is an anxiety disorder, causes you to feel anxious about a wide range of social situations as well as specific social events. Social Phobia is an anxiety disorder and can severely interrupt a person’s possibility of leading a normal life. For people with Social Phobia the related irrational worry and fears can be overpowering and relentless.
Symptoms of Social Phobia may vary, but generally include some type of extreme, irrational fear and feelings of dread. Many people with a Social Phobia also have physical symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, heart palpitations, tension headaches, nausea, or muscle weakness. Social Phobia are fairly common, an are estimated to affecting about 18% of the population. If you have been feeling anxious or suffered panic symptoms in relation to social situation and this has continued for six months or longer it is important to check with a professional about this likely Social Phobia. Normal feelings of anxiety related to social occasions or situation can occur and this is normal but it is crucial to address ongoing symptoms which you feel could be an anxiety disorders.
