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    BidnasBidnas

    Understanding Social Phobia

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    Posted in Anxiety DisordersVote Up0Vote Down

    For many, nervous feelings when giving a speech or in certain situations is entirely normal. For others, there is severe anxiety and fear for social situations on a more consistent basis. With social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, you face a fear of embarrassing yourself in almost every social situation. It can be so overwhelming that you avoid social situations that may cause you to go into a panic attack. Social fear or anxiety can be quite difficult to understand and handle but there are some methods to help you deal with these intense situations.

    Signs and Symptoms of Social Phobia
    There are many signs and symptoms pointing to this phobia or fear. You may feel extremely self-conscious in normal everyday situations or you may have worry that will stay with you for days before a social event is planned. You may always feel as if you're being judged by those around you, even if they are not. There's also physical symptoms that may manifest such as blushing, feeling butterflies in your stomach, or even feeling as if you're going to pass out. 

    Methods to Help
    There are a few techniques you can use to help you through these situations. Learn to have relaxed breathing. These techniques on controlling your breathing can really relax you and help you to calm your nerves. Stop the negative thoughts. Face them head on and remind yourself that you can make it through the situation you're about to face. Do not avoid your fear but instead face it head on. This will help you to conquer your fears and know that you can get through them. 

    Therapy is also another good method of getting through your social anxiety disorder. This can cause you to shut yourself in your home which can eventually lead to more problems. Consider talking with a therapist in your area that can help you with other techniques to conquer your fears and starting living your life again.

    Reference
    Smith, M, Segal, J., Shubin,J., "Social Anxiety Disorder and Social Phobia".Help Guide.(Website).(April 2016)
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    • 4 Commentsby Likes|Date
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      OursIsTheFuryOursIsTheFury
      Yup, that sounds about right. I HATE HATE HATE going outside, especially going to crowded places where I have to talk to people. Luckily though, I've found lots of ways to make the trek easier, like wearing sunglasses (or in my case, eyeglasses) and listening to music through headphones. When I have these two, it's like I have a magical force field around me that no person can penetrate, and it makes walking through crowded areas a whole lot easier.
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      darkrebelchilddarkrebelchild
      Thanks for sharing @Bidnas!

      @OursIsTheFury, your solution to handle the social phobia is fantastic; I am sure you could gradually begin to socialize even with your glasses and the headphones on. I guess it would be taking one step at a time.
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      sclarkesclarke
      @OursIsTheFury, those are great ways to help others get through it. I've seen those suggested myself. I'm glad you've found a way to make it a little bit easier for you to get out. It really makes a difference!
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      SmitheeSmithee
      Before seeking treatment one should try to beat social phobia using the techniques listed here and others which might help.

      Should none of these techniques work then you shouldn't lose hope. Social phobia is treatable. Some say hypnotherapy is the best. I don't know. Thing is as social phobia might make it almost impossible to enjoy life, if you badly want to overcome it, seek help. Therapy, hypnotherapy — anything. It will help.
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