Gold Coast Social Anxiety and Social Phobia Treatment
Social Anxiety and Social Phobia.
Almost everyone feels nervous now and then in social situations, such as when giving a speech or a presentation at work. This is a perfectly normal and understandable reaction and for many people this anxiety passes fairly quickly and causes little disruption or distress.
However, when anxiety around social interactions prevents someone from engaging with people and significantly impacts their daily life, it is called social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) or social phobia, is a disorder characterised by overwhelming and persistent fear or anxiety in social situations. Individuals with this disorder often have an intense fear of being scrutinised, judged, or embarrassed by others. This fear can lead to avoidance of social situations, impacting various aspects of daily life.
Social anxiety can manifest in various ways, and its symptoms can range from mild to severe.
Common symptoms of social anxiety and social phobia include:
- Excessive worry around social situations
- Highly self-critical thoughts
- Fear of humiliation
- Intrusive thoughts about social situations such as ““I won’t know what to say; they won’t like me; everyone will see how anxious I am and think I’m pathetic; they’ll think I’m strange or stupid”
- Sweating, trembling, blushing, rapid heartbeat, nausea, and muscle tension
- Fear of talking in front of others or having a shaky voice
- Avoiding social situations or enduring them with intense discomfort
- Feeling inferior or socially inadequate
Treatment for social anxiety:
Psychological treatment has proven highly effective in managing social anxiety. Therapy and treatment can help you to reduce your anxiety to comfortable levels, and to ultimately be more at ease with yourself in social situations. It can also help you to feel more relaxed about your relationships and interactions, and to have the confidence to take part in the social activities that you once feared.
Social anxiety is often deeply connected to a person’s sense of self, worth, confidence, formative experiences and the quality of their relationships. Our approach is sensitive to these very important dimensions, and we work to understand what causes and maintains your particular experience of social anxiety, and to adapt therapy in a way that is uniquely relevant to you.
Seeking treatment for social anxiety with a psychologist can bring about significant improvements in your life including:
- Enhanced quality of life by being able to participate more fully in social, educational, and professional activities
- Better social skills and increased confidence can lead to closer and more fulfilling relationships
- Managing social anxiety often leads to improved overall mental health and reduced risk of co-occurring conditions like depression or substance abuse
- Overcoming social anxiety can open doors to career opportunities and professional growth
At GCPC, we can help you develop a better way of thinking, fostering your self-esteem and silencing the inner voice of criticism that is causing you to doubt yourself.
Social anxiety is a challenging but treatable condition, and you don’t have to face it alone. Seeking help from a psychologist can make a profound difference in your life. Don’t let social anxiety hold you back; take the first step towards a happier and more fulfilling future by seeking the support you need. Your journey begins with seeking help from a qualified psychologist who can guide you toward a life with greater confidence and social fulfilment.