Social Anxiety Disorder


Have you heard a TV commercial for a medication offering to treat Social Anxiety Disorder? Does the description seem to fit what you’re going through?

Social anxiety disorder is a common and unpleasant variety of anxiety in which you feel extremely nervous, lightheaded and afraid of being judged or humiliated when you’re in small or large groups of people. It is important to realize that social anxiety is just one variety of anxiety – anxiety is a very broad concept that describes the nervousness we feel when things are threatening or we are afraid we won’t be able to handle the pressure. Its causes are highly variable, and are never ONLY a “chemical imbalance”. Our body chemistry always shifts, sometimes dramatically, when we are in the presence of something that feels threatening. Each of us has our own, very personal reasons to react the way we do.

However, social anxiety threatens our ability to work with other people, enjoy their company and even perform basic life activities that involve interacting with others. If this is a major way in which your anxiety shows itself, and you think it is spoiling things for you, consider asking for help. Medication can be effective, and you should discuss this with your doctor.

However, if you wish to achieve some understanding about why YOUR personality has developed this particular stress-injury – and develop some skills for strengthening yourself against it, relaxing when you need to and proving that you can grow and learn from addressing your fear, then give us a call. Our counselors can work effectively with you, at extremely affordable fees. We look forward to helping you learn to free yourself.