Social Phobia

Social Phobia, which is also known as Social Anxiety Disorder, occurs when someone becomes excessively anxious and self conscious in normal social situations. These people experience a persistent, intense and constant fear that they are being watched by others, who are judging their behavior and actions.

There is also the intense worry that they will somehow do something that will embarrass them in front of these watchers. Instead of being excited and happy about an upcoming social event, these sufferers dread it with an unnatural apprehension. It is such a strong fear that it causes interference with school, work, and normal activities in general. It also makes it hard for people with a Social Phobia to make friends and keep them.

Many people with this particular phobia understand that what they are feeling is not normal. They know that it is irrational to fear being around other people. Yet, there seems to be nothing they can do about it. Some may even be able to manage their fears enough to actually be social. However, they are most likely highly worried and apprehensive before the event, and are usually quite uncomfortable and tense the entire time they are in attendance. They go home and worry excessively about what others were thinking or saying about them.

Social Phobia can occur in different forms. It can be limited to only one situation where sufferers are bothered by talking to people, or eating or drinking with them. It can also be as severe as being intensely nervous around nearly everyone who is not a family member.

There are physical symptoms that can occur with this phobia. They may include heavy sweating, nausea, blushing, having trouble talking, and trembling. It is these symptoms that make people who have this phobia feel that everyone is staring at them and seeing their humiliation.

Approximately 15 million American adults are affected by Social Phobia. It doesn’t play favorites either, with regard to the sexes. Men and women sufferers are equal. The symptoms of this disorder usually start during childhood to early adolescence. Evidence suggests that there are genetic factors involved. Someone who develops this phobia may also be experiencing other anxiety disorders as well as depression.

People who develop Social Phobia can usually be treated successfully through a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy and medication. Recovery depends on just how hard you are willing to work to make it happen. Your therapist can only do so much without your co-operation. Once you have decided that you WANT to live a normal and healthy life, you have made that first all important step on the road to recovery.