People with social anxiety experience fear and anxiety in response to social situations., such as parties, work gatherings, meeting new people, eating in public, and work presentations. And they often worry a lot about what other people think, and that they'll do something embarrassing in front of people.
Social anxiety often means you worry before and after social situations too, not just during them. And when you are there, you might experience lots of physical symptoms of anxiety such as sweating or blushing, and worry that other people can notice this and will judge you negatively. This often leads to avoidance of social situations when possible.
The first step to overcoming social anxiety is understanding what social anxiety really is, the signs of social anxiety, how cbt for social anxiety works, and how social anxiety therapy can help you.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Ruminating after being in a social situation by playing the scenario over in your head and analysing it, often cringing at what you said.
Often avoiding social situations when possible (i.e. turning down an invite to a party), or enduring them with intense fear.
Experiencing a range of physical symptoms of anxiety during social situations, such as trembling, shaking, sweating, blushing, heart racing, and feeling nauseous.
Feeling self-conscious during social interactions, i.e. having a conversation, meeting unfamiliar people, being observed, or performing in front of others.
Worrying before and during social situations - about whether you might do something humiliating or embarrassing.
Here are the most common signs of social anxiety disorder I see in my clients:
Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder begins with understanding how your social anxiety developed, how it presents itself, and what maintains it.
We then work on reducing your symptoms of anxiety and self-consciousness by using a variety of CBT tools and techniques (and I can include Mindfulness and Compassion Focused Therapy techniques too if useful).
And lastly we focus on practicing being in social situations to build up your confidence, and challenging any unhelpful negative beliefs you hold about yourself.
CBT for Social Anxiety Disorder
Challenge negative thinking and develop more positive beliefs about yourself
Learn how to focus in the present moment instead of on how anxious you're feeling
Stop ruminating afterwards about how you came across and what you said
Be able to tackle things you previously avoiding like meeting new or parties
Feel more confident and less self-conscious when interacting with others
Reduce unpleasant physical symptoms of anxiety when in social situations
