April 2009 Archives

by Bethany Jordin

If you think that you might suffer from social anxiety disorder then there are some symptoms that you might want to keep an eye open for. If you are able to recognize these symptoms of social anxiety disorder with any degree of consistency this may be the right time to consider getting yourself some kind of help for this condition. There are many different treatments you can use to help you feel more at ease in a social environment such as herbal or natural remedies. Some of these do an excellent job of relieving the symptoms of social anxiety disorder so don’t forget them when considering treatment options.

1) Severe and regularly occurring panic attacks are one of the definite symptoms of social anxiety disorder. These will often be very strong in a social situation especially if you feel as though the people in that situation are some how passing judgment upon you. The severity and frequency of your panic attacks may be so personally painful that it has a very negative affect on you forcing you to do whatever you feel in necessary to avoid those attacks.

2) Avoidance of social situations in order to avoid discomfort. Have you changed your social habits so that you aren’t confronted with uncomfortable situations in public? Are you missing important events in the lives of your family and friends because of your anxiety? These are all symptoms of social anxiety disorder which is very much treatable.

3) Changing daily routines to accommodate fear. If you are canceling appointments, avoiding meetings, or skipping out on lunch dates as a result of your anxiety you are experiencing yet another symptom of social anxiety disorder.

4) Constantly experiencing severe and frequent bouts with panic attacks in social situations could wind up with you suffering from agoraphobia. This disorder manifests itself in your fear of losing control while socializing and having a panic attack. This may happen because you feel that you have no escape and no help coming to you in that situation. This disorder may even prevent you from leaving your house.

5) Friendships become difficult to make or maintain. When you begin skipping out on life due to various symptoms of social anxiety disorder you will find that your friends stop inviting you out or that you have fewer friends. Depression is often a close companion to social anxiety disorder and is one of the many symptoms of social anxiety disorder you will want to be on the lookout for.

6) Turning to alcohol or illegal substances to replace the friendships you are missing or to provide temporary comfort. This is one of the most devastating symptoms of social anxiety disorder. This symptom not only impacts you but everyone that loves you as well. Because social anxiety disorder often leads to a steady withdrawal from society it can take a while for others to notice and intercede on your behalf. Substance abuse is never a solution though and should be closely guarded against if you suspect that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.

Any or all of these symptoms of social anxiety disorder may be recognizable as well as familiar to you signaling that it may be time to seek help and treatment. There are many organizations, programs, and professionals to help you. Treatment may include prescription medications, therapies, and herbal remedies to use also, but the first step is up to you.

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