Social Anxiety is characterised by a range of emotional and physical symptoms, including:
- Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations where scrutiny by others is possible (e.g., conversations, public speaking, being observed).
- Fear of negative evaluation, such as being embarrassed, humiliated, rejected, or offending others.
- Social situations almost always provoke fear or anxiety, which may manifest as blushing, trembling, sweating, nausea, or difficulty speaking.
- Avoidance or intense distress in feared situations.
- Disproportionate fear relative to the actual threat posed, considering cultural context.
Managing Social Anxiety
A few practical strategies to manage social anxiety include:
- Exercise: Helps us with motivation and reduce the feeling of being overwhelmed.
- Mindfulness activities: Help us be aware and present in the moment rather than worry about the future or ruminate about the past.
- Prioritise Rest: Maintain a regular sleep routine to promote good sleeping habits. Think of good sleep as your brain’s “overnight therapy”.
- Address Negative Thoughts: Be mindful of negative thoughts. Notice them and reframe them. Ask yourself if they are helpful or unhelpful.
- Asking for support: Whether that is from family, friends, psychologists or an online community.
Counselling And Therapeutic Approach
Most often treatment methods like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness-based approaches can help to learn strategies to manage and overcome the troubling thoughts and feelings of social anxiety. CBT is a structured and goal-oriented therapy that helps you identify and change negative thoughts patterns and behaviours. Mindfulness-based approaches often include techniques such as mindfulness meditation and increase awareness in the present moment. Another form of therapy called exposure therapy which involves gradual, structured exposure to feared social situations to reduce avoidance and anxiety. It is often integrated into CBT.
At Mind Lift Psychology, your psychologist will work with you to develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This may involve a combination of therapy and lifestyle adjustments to effectively address and alleviate the symptoms of depression. Remember, there is hope and help available for those living with depression.
To make an appointment, book online, email our admin staff at admin@mindliftpsych.com or fill out our contact form here.