Working through social anxiety
Perhaps you have been texted at the last minute on a Friday night to go to a social event. You immediately feel some sense of dread and panic - but it is also mixed with a desire to go. You wonder why am I feeling this way? You think about worst case situations that could take place. You reflect on what your friend will think if you cancel - you feel like you always are cancelling. Your thought swirl around what will happen if you go versus what will happen if you cancel - neither option feels good.
This cycle is often described as a thought spiral and it can lead to a sense of panic.
What is Social Anxiety?
Anxiety disorders involve a sense of overwhelm around a fear. In Canada about 8-13% of Canadians will experience a social phobia in their lifetime (note 1). People "with social anxiety disorder have a persistent, intense, and chronic fear of being watched and judged by others and of being embarrassed or humiliated by their own actions" (note 2).
How is Social Anxiety Treated?
There are many modalities of therapy that can help people work through and see a reduction in anxiety. Therapists use modalities such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), internal family systems (IFS) and Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) to help people increase their distress tolerance and regulate their emotions.
Why is this important?
Often as social anxiety intensifies a person feels like they are stuck and can't do the things they want to - they want to go out with friends and interact with people but they feel stuck and hampered in their capacity to do that. If you feel stuck in social anxiety and want to get unstuck - feel free to reach out. You were not meant to walk alone.
Further Resources:
A recent book about anxiety called, Try Softer Audri Kolber is a broad introduction to concepts around anxiety.
Notes
1. https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/82-619-m/2012004/sections/sectionb-eng.htm#a4
2. https://www.psychologytoday.com/ca/conditions/social-anxiety-disorder-social-phobia
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