Thoughts on Social Anxiety from a Nashville based therapist
Why do i feel so nervous around people?
Social Anxiety can be extremely frustrating. Maybe you want to make friends or start dating, but anxiety in social situations is getting in the way. The good news is you’re not alone; social anxiety is extremely common in adolescents and adults.
What is Social Anxiety
Social Anxiety occurs when someone has intense fear of being embarrassed or judged in front of other people.
Most people who develop Social Anxiety, do so during adolescence.
Many people with Social Anxiety experience other conditions like depression.
Many people begin avoiding situations involving people, or they withstand intense anxiety while surrounded by others. (this can be exhausting!)
Treatment
Treatment can be scary, because it involves another person.
Social Anxiety usually doesn’t require hospitalization, however higher levels like Partial Hospitalization Programs or Intensive Outpatient Programs can be helpful.
Social Anxiety is very treatable with the right kind of therapy!
The Role of Therapy
Psychotherapy is an important part of treatment when used in conjunction with medications.
Therapy modalities include CBT, specifically exposure therapy involving other people. While this can sound scary, it is extremely effective, and a good therapist will move at your pace.
In terms of every day life, increasing awareness of your body and slowly reintroducing yourself to feared situations will greatly improve functioning.
We know for sure Social Anxiety is caused by a combination of psychological and biological factors. It' is difficult to say exactly why someone has social anxiety. It could be their temperament (the way they were born), the way they were raised, a traumatic experience, or a combination of many things.
I am a licensed therapist in Nashville, TN specializing in anxiety. If you are in the Tennessee area, please reach out to see how we can work together to reduce your social anxiety!