In social anxiety disorder, fear and anxiety lead to avoidance that can disrupt your life. Severe stress can affect your daily routine, work, school or other activities. Anxiety comes in many different forms. It is one of the most common experiences that most people have and it shows up in various ways.
It’s normal to feel nervous in some social situations. For example, going on a date or giving a presentation may cause that feeling of butterflies in your stomach. But in social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, everyday interactions cause significant anxiety, fear, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because you fear being scrutinized or judged by others.
Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder can include persistent:
- Fear of situations in which you may be judged
- Worrying about embarrassing or humiliating yourself
- Intense fear of interacting or talking with strangers
- Fear that others will notice that you look anxious
- Fear of physical symptoms that may cause you embarrassment, such as blushing, sweating, trembling or having a shaky voice
Approximately, 40% of Americans deal with anxiety. There a host of methods to help overcome anxiety. Meditation lowers cortisol levels which is attributed to inflammation in the body. Being in nature has been shown to help recenter focus which minimizes the reasons that might cause stress.
We also offer counseling that helps you with long-term strategies that empower you with skills to diminish the influence of anxiety on your life.