Social anxiety is rampant around the world. More than eight million people suffer from anxiety in the UK but less than half seek the treatment. They are forced to spend their lives in constant fear and unease. Humans are social animals and our interactions have a huge impact on our mental well-being. From getting groceries to having dinner out, we have dozens of interactions every day.
Intro
Social phobia or social anxiety disorder is different from simple shyness. It brings depression, panic attacks, substance abuse, and PTSD with it. It is crippling and tough to overcome without help. People suffering from social anxiety have trouble in everyday interactions. They cannot talk with people, attend meetings, or join social gatherings for fear of judgement or scrutiny.
Please consider reaching out for help if the five signs of social anxiety given below apply to your life,
Fear of social settings
Socially anxious people do not like to be judged by others. They are uncomfortable with being evaluated for their actions, words, and lifestyle. This causes them to fear their every potential misstep. They often resign an interaction as a failure on a subconscious level even before it’s done.
Social anxiety causes them to fear about saying the wrong thing at the wrong time. They fear being the odd duck. Even laughing at a joke becomes difficult for them for fear of being left the last one laughing. Fear defines all their social interactions. Even making idle chatter with your colleagues or maintaining eye contact becomes difficult.
Being labelled as shy or withdrawn
People with social anxiety are often perceived as shy or withdrawn by others. Their classmates, neighbours, or relatives rarely expect them to participate in social events. Their classmates are unsurprised when they refuse an invitation to a party or a night out. They are called derogatory terms like dweeb, nerd, loner, or weirdo.
Such labels make their social anxiety skyrocket and make them feel further isolated and lonely.
Bad reaction to certain social triggers
Social anxiety causes people to react negatively to teasing, flirting, or criticism. They do not like being the centre of attention to a single person or a group. They mess up without meaning to when under watch or observation. Blushing with embarrassment, getting angry, or an urge to flee becomes apparent. They can easily lose their nerve and start behaving erratically.
Physical and emotional symptoms
Social anxiety may cause your heartbeat to race. You may blush and stutter, finding it hard to express your desire. You may sweat like a garden hose. Trembling or shivering may cause you to clench your fists and jaw in an attempt to hide it. You may have difficulty breathing. You may even faint from the overwhelming pressure.
Avoidance of social situations
Social anxiety makes people withdrawn and lonely. They are often found at the edge of old photographs. Their style of dress and fashion is often designed to be the least noticeable. Their friends and family do not feel surprised when they reject an invitation to a gathering. Some have trouble even eating in front of others.
Advancements in technology have made being socially withdrawn even easier. Socially anxious people can earn money, buy groceries, order food, and entertain themselves without ever setting a single foot outside their house. It may seem like a solution, but it’s really not. Such complete withdrawal from society results in crippling depression and loneliness.
What to do
Social anxiety is recognised as a mental health disorder in the UK. It is a real disease and not just a figment of your imagination. This means that you can seek treatment for it. You do not have to suffer alone in silence. There are several treatment options open to you,
Counselling
This treatment is simple and easy to understand. You learn to talk and express yourself in a safe environment without fearing judgment. It’s better to do it face-to-face with a certified counsellor. But you may also seek counselling online when your anxiety is too crippling.
These are some of the therapies that can help you deal with social anxiety in a healthy manner,
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or CBT can help you learn new ways to manage anxiety.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT can help you live a fulfilling life despite the negative feelings.
Group Therapy can help you see you are not alone in your troubles. It makes you want to face your troubles as part of a team which knows your troubles intimately.
Exposure Therapy can help you acclimate yourself to social situations instead of avoiding them.
Medicines
There are many medicines easily available in the UK to help you live a normal life despite having a social anxiety disorder.
The SSRI family of drugs is often prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. Examples include Fluoxetine, Escitalopram, and Citalopram etc.
The SNRI family of drugs can treat anxiety disorders and many painful conditions. Examples include Venlafaxine.
Benzodiazepines can help treat panic attacks, social anxiety, depression, and pain.
Clonazepam is among the commonly prescribed benzodiazepines for pain relief in the UK. But, it is important to consult with your doctor, explain your condition, and obtain a prescription for the appropriate treatment. Alternatively, you can purchase these medicines online from health2delivery. Place your order directly or reach out to an online health expert who can provide further assistance in buying Clonazepam online.
Home remedies
These are some home-based solutions you can apply to lessen the impact of social anxiety in your life,
- Do not take drugs and alcohol. They may offer a quick respite. But they can be very harmful to your social anxiety in the long term.
- Start doing regular exercise or yoga.
- Avoid drinking coffee and other stimulating substances.
- Get a full night’s rest. Anxiety often loses its impact when you are fully rested.
- Eat a balanced diet to boost your overall health.
- Start caring for your physical well-being. Having a healthy body is very uplifting on the mood.
Last word
Social anxiety is one of the most crippling unseen diseases in the world. But help is available. You do not have to suffer in silence by your lonesome. Improve the quality of your life by seeking treatment.