Social Anxiety Support: Living with Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a mental illness that affects millions of people worldwide.  Those who suffer from it are unable to enjoy life to its fullest.  Social anxiety disorder sufferers consistently feel “attacked” by overwhelming feelings of fear, apprehension and embarrassment in everyday social situations.

Those who have the disease often find themselves avoiding or dreading normal social interactions including work, parties and family gatherings.  In severe cases, sufferers shut themselves off from people completely.  The fear of ”looking stupid” or being rejected cripples those afflicted with the disease and can steal years of their lives.

Sometimes, just the anticipation of feeling embarrassed or self-conscious at an upcoming social event is too much for social anxiety disorder sufferers to handle.   This is known as “anticipatory” anxiety.  When this occurs, a person becomes obsessed and overly worried about a future event or gathering.  Common situations that trigger “anticipatory” social anxiety are public speaking, public performance and job interviews.

What are the usual symptoms of social anxiety disorder?

Unfortunately, people with social anxiety disorder often do not recognize the disease until it has become almost unbearable.  The most common symptoms are:

1. Uncontrollable or excessive anxiety in social situations
2. Increased avoidance of social interaction
3. Strong mental imagery related to failure at social situations
4. Unwanted physical reactions in social situations such as excessive sweating, shaking, upset stomach or muscle tension.

Is it possible to treat social anxiety disorder?

Yes! It is possible.  In fact, social anxiety disorder is a very ”treatable” disease.  Most sufferers who seek treatment can be helped.  Treatments usually include a combination of medication and psychotherapy, or counseling.  In some cases, hypnosis has proved to be effective as well.

One thing is clear:  the sooner you recognize the disorder, the easier it will be to overcome.   If you think you have social anxiety disorder or know of someone who does, the best thing you can do is seek help immediately.

In addition to medications and psychotherapy (discussed elsewhere on this blog), there are several books and products that Social Anxiety Disorder sufferers might find helpful.  Below are just a handful of social anxiety products that we recommend in helping you overcome the problem.  Remember, dealing with this disorder is a process.  There are no “overnight” remedies.  Here’s what we suggest: 

1.  Living Fully with Shyness and Social Anxiety: A Comprehensive Guide to Gaining Social Confidence by Erika B. Hilliard.  This book seems to be close to the top of everyone’s list when it comes to help with social anxiety disorder.  Hilliard is a self-professed “shy person” and has led several social-anxiety support groups.  She encourages the reader to set small, measurable and consistent goals for themselves.  She also gives an overview of social anxiety disorder treatments including recommendations on medications and self-healinng techniques.

2.  The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne.  This book is an excellent resource for people with the disorder.  Bourne outlines several helpful techniques and exercises that helpp alleviate phobias and anxiety.  Some his suggestions include breathing techniques, thought control and medication management.  No social anxiety disorder sufferer should be without this book.

3.  Beyond Shyness:  How to Conquer Social and Performance Anxieties.  A self-help audio course by Jonathan Berent, A.C.S.W.

Meanwhile, here are some helpful suggestions from our sponsors: