Anxiety is something that we all go through at times. It's our body's reaction to something that we consider a threat to our health and security. Anxiety can emerge before a school presentation, on our first day at the job, and in several other circumstances. But what distinguishes social anxiety from other concerns?
What is Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)?
SAD is characterised by persistent anxiety about being observed or judged by others in social situations. It frequently occurs in nervous circumstances, such as going on a first date or giving a public speech.
However, where does social anxiety originate? It is a fundamental human characteristic to want to blend in and be appreciated. Everyone wants to feel like they're part of a group and they’re good enough.
The constant worry of being evaluated disrupts our day-to-day functioning and actions. Social anxiety disorder affects a large number of people. If you believe you have a social anxiety disorder, CBT therapy in London is an ideal solution.
What is Treatment for SAD?
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most popular type of treatment for social anxiety disorder. CBT addresses the negative ideas that underlie social anxiety. How you act and view yourself is influenced by your thoughts.
If you learn to regulate negative thoughts, you'll see a positive change in your social behaviour. CBT also entails gradually introducing yourself to social interactions and then reflecting on the outcomes of the circumstance.
Here are Three Coping Techniques for Social Anxiety:
Seek Assistance
When anxiety impacts your decisions and relationships, seeking professional counselling is the most practical, long-term solution. A trained therapist can educate you on handling and easing your anxiety and provide you with support.
Therapy can help you develop long-term coping skills. By identifying and examining the thoughts that cause persistent distress, you may learn how to improve your mental processes in therapy.
One of the most successful and quick forms of anxiety treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). CBT can significantly improve your ability to cope with anxiety, sadness, and other issues.
The first step to dealing with and controlling anxiety is changing your thinking patterns. One of the best things about CBT is that it's appropriate for people of all ages.
Realistic Thinking
People with social anxiety disorder tend to have negative thoughts about themselves and about what will happen in social situations.
If you believe that social situations are threatening or dangerous, then you are more likely to feel anxious. However, it is important to realise that your thoughts are guesses about what will happen, not actual facts. It can be helpful to ask yourself whether your thoughts are based on facts and whether they are helpful. If they aren’t, try to identify more accurate and helpful thoughts.
People with social anxiety disorder tend to overestimate the degree of danger in social situations. Therefore, developing more realistic ways of thinking is an important step in managing your anxiety. But before you can start changing the way you think, you need to be able to identify the kinds of thoughts you have in social situations.
Meeting New People
Once you have gained some confidence facing social situations, it may be time to start thinking about expanding your social network. People with social anxiety disorder often have a hard time developing new relationships. Having opportunities to meet other people and develop friendships is very important. Social situations that provide opportunities for repeated contact are the best ways to develop friendships. Try and brainstorm ways to get involved with other people. Here are some ideas of where you can meet people:
- Work or school (talk to coworkers, go for lunch together, share coffee breaks)
- Play a sport/exercise (join a gym or running group, play soccer or tennis)
- Join a club/organisation (travel club, hiking group, singles group, etc.)
- Take a class (painting, pottery, language course (e.g., Spanish, French) etc.)
- Volunteer (community centres, hospitals, charitable organisations)
- Take group lessons (swimming, dance)
- Go to sports facilities (skate park, ski hill)
- Dating services/On-line dating
Social anxiety can severely limit your ability to live the life you desire. You can significantly improve your mental health and well-being by learning short-and long-term relief strategies through CBT therapy in London.
