Social anxiety disorder is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking. It’s a pervasive condition that significantly impairs your ability to interact in everyday situations. The intense fear of judgment or scrutiny can inhibit your relationships and make it harder for you to enjoy life.
How Social Anxiety Affects Lives
Social anxiety can manifest in physical symptoms like blushing, trembling, sweating, dizziness, or a racing heartbeat, as well as psychological symptoms like negative self-talk, avoidance, and feelings of isolation. The fear that others will see you as awkward only adds to the embarrassment.
People with social anxiety often experience significant distress at work, school, when meeting people, or even in small everyday interactions like ordering food in a restaurant. The ongoing cycle of anxiety and avoidance can lead to deeper feelings of loneliness and depression.
What Causes Social Anxiety?
Understanding what triggers social anxiety is crucial for managing it effectively. Here are some everyday circumstances that might feel intimidating or overwhelming to someone with social anxiety.
- Meeting new people: The anxiety of making a good first impression may cause you to trip over your words or be too nervous to maintain eye contact.
- Teasing or criticism: Whether in a playful or serious context, critiques can intensify your fear of judgment.
- Being the center of attention: Events like birthday parties or workplace recognitions may be excruciating.
- Group conversations: The pressure to contribute something worthwhile or interesting can be paralyzing.
- Using public restrooms: A fear of being in a crowd could make this everyday undertaking extremely stressful.
- Dating or romantic interactions: Anxiety in these situations can stem from fears of rejection or embarrassment.
How Social Anxiety Differs From Everyday Worries
While many people feel nervous in situations like giving a presentation or going on a date, people with social anxiety experience more intense fear that does not subside and often escalates over time. The response is extremely disproportionate to any threats posed by social interactions, and can be debilitating and hard to control.
At Amend Wellness, we have developed effective treatment strategies to help our clients uncover the root causes of social anxiety so they can begin healing and finding a newfound passion for life.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy: The cornerstone of our social anxiety disorder treatment helps you recognize and change negative thought patterns that hold you back from living your full potential.
- Stabilization and assessments: If you’re in a crisis, find your haven at our luxury wellness retreat. Our counseling team delivers trauma-informed therapy, tech-based treatments, and accurate diagnosis of your physical, mental, spiritual, and nutritional well-being.
- World-class amenities: During your stay with us, you’ll have access to all our carefully selected amenities, including chef-prepared meals, a cold plunge pool, sauna, yurt, and semi-private accommodations with Tempur-Pedic mattresses.
Experience the Ultimate Wellness Getaway
Social anxiety is a challenging condition, but our team provides the tools and therapies necessary to help you overcome it. Connect with our wellness advisors today to request information about our proven social anxiety treatment techniques.