subject: Social Phobias: Your Questions Answered [print this page] Imagine trying to leave your house, or even your own bedroom, and being overcome with a crippling sensation of fear. Your palms are sweating. Your breathing is labored and you feel physically ill. For some it may just happen in large groups. But there are others that cannot leave the house because their social phobias have such a grip on their lives. Following are some answers to common questions about social phobias to help you better understand this condition and how to deal with it.
What happens to a person who suffers from social phobias when they are out in public or in a group? For those that suffer from social phobias the symptoms they have when put into a strange situation, or a situation where they are uncomfortable, can actually manifest itself as physical symptoms. It is not just in their minds. They may have full blown panic attacks where their heart races and it feels as if they are having a heart attack. They may sweat profusely and become irrational. It is a very real problem for those that suffer from a social phobia. It can be extremely limiting and terrifying.
How can social phobias affect day to day living? People with specific social anxieties can generally live life normally. They may just have problems speaking to large groups or being in large groups. But they can learn to overcome it with the proper help and lots of practice. People who suffer from severe social anxiety disorders often have difficulty living day to day. Some cannot leave the house at all and may even confine themselves to one room of the home. They often have it far worse because they are too terrified to leave the home to get professional help.
How can therapy help with social phobias? Therapy is very good for people who suffer from social phobias. Therapy allows the person to talk about why they are afraid to handle public situations. The therapist can try to get to the root cause of the anxiety. By talking about the problem it begins to desensitize the person who is afflicted. The therapist may recommend medications or may begin a process of taking small steps with the person going out into a public venue. Therapists, generally, do not take large steps. It starts out slowly. It may be going to a group meeting with other people who suffer from social phobias. Then the next step is a public outing. Each step of therapy is gradual and can help the person.
If I have a panic attack while out in public, how can I handle it? If you suffer from one of the many social phobias then you are probably going to have a panic attack sometime in your life. The thing you must remember is to take deep, cleansing breaths. It will feel as if you are having a heart attack but you are probably not. Just remain calm and keep thinking that it will pass. If you cannot handle being out in public at that moment then excuse yourself and return home because remaining there is not going to help. You may just need to take a trip to the restroom to collect yourself and become calm. If you take a prescription medication for the panic attacks you may need to take it and then wait for it to begin to take effect.
