Social anxiety disorder is basically a phobia that causes one to be extremely anxious about what they will say or do when they are in front of people
. This anxiety goes way beyond being shy or nervous right before a public speaking engagement. This is a type of fear that can begin months in advance. Most people who suffer from this disorder only fear a few different social situations.
But there are others who fear just about every social situation there is. This behavior has been known to have a major affect on a persons daily life activities. For example, some people become so afraid of public situations that they will stop going to school or work all together. So what causes this social anxiety disorder? Well, truth be told, doctors are not sure of the exact cause of this disorder. Some say it runs in the family while others say it is a response to a traumatic situation.
What Are The Symptoms
Of course the most common symptom is an extreme bout of nervousness. That is usually followed by sweating and that shaky feeling. Your heart may also begin to beat at a very rapid pace which can cause you to lose focus. This disorder can also affect your mood. Many people become sad or easily upset when they are experiencing this type of anxiety.
How Is It Treated
Social anxiety disorder is usually treated with either counseling, medicine or both. You will only need medicine if the disorder is having a dramatic affect on your daily life. Some people who suffer from this disorder will turn to drugs and alcohol to deal with the hurt, pain and frustration they feel. If this is the case, those issues will need to be addressed as well.
One way to help reduce your anxiety is to stop and take deep, slow breaths when you feel it coming on. This will help you stay calm and put you in control of the situation.