Info
Welcome to our "Info" page, where we provide valuable insights and strategies to support individuals dealing with social anxiety. Our tips cover a wide range of topics, from coping mechanisms to self-care practices, all aimed at helping you or your loved one navigate through social anxiety challenges. Whether you are looking for advice on managing panic attacks, handling social situations, or building self-confidence, our quarterly updated tips are here to offer guidance and support. Occasionally, you may also find personal stories or testimonials shared by individuals who have successfully overcome social anxiety.
Identifying Social Anxiety
According to Yale medicine “Social anxiety disorder is a chronic mental health condition characterized by ongoing feelings of intense, persistent fear caused by the anticipation of, or participation in, social situations."
Tips
When helping a friend or family member remember to focus on their feelings. Try not to push or force your way into why they are feeling anxious. Be there to comfort them and help them through it. It is up to them whether they want to share what was making them anxious. If they decide to tell you, don't immediately try to fix it. Ask them what they need from you. This ensures you are helping them the best way possible.
Try distracting your friend from their anxiety. This can include talking about something else, bringing up a topic that you know they enjoy so that they focus and talk about that instead. You can also try having them place an ice cube on their neck or chest, or suck on it, as the cold stimulates the vagus nerve and helps with blood circulation which can help ground them.
It is important to remember to be patient with them. It is not something they can control, so try not to get upset or frustrated with them. Social Anxiety may not always be visible until they reach the top of their anxiety spike. It may be harder to help and calm them down when this happens, just keep calm, be patient, and be kind.
Symptoms
Common symptoms of social anxiety include
- Blushing
- Trembling
- Sweating
- Rapid heartbeat
- Chest Pain
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Choking feeling
- Shortness of breath
Treatment Options
Social anxiety is a spectrum and can affect each person differently; meaning treatment can vary
- Psychotherapy and medications are the most prominent forms of treatment
In Psychotherapy patients learn how to redirect and change the negative thoughts they have that increase their social anxiety. Patients also learn skills that can help them develop confidence in social situations that cause anxiety.
There are many medications patients can take to help; the leading medications being SSRIs, Paxil, and Zoloft. Medications prescribed will fall under the three categories of antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, or beta blockers.
Read More
"How to Help a Friend with Social Anxiety" by The Recovery Village, November 17, 2021
"Social anxiety disorder: Treatment for managing this challenging condition." by Jennifer Fisher, published by Harvard Health publishing May 20, 2024.
"Supporting a Friend with Social Anxiety" by Noah Clyman, published by the National Social Anxiety Center March 16, 2017.
"Helping someone with anxiety and panic attacks" published by Mind in February 2021
"9 Things to Know When Talking to Someone with Social Anxiety" by Arlin Cuncic, updated June 10, 2022
"Social anxiety self-help guide" published by NHS inform on May 27, 2021
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