SOCIAL PHOBIA

SOCIAL PHOBIA

Social phobia (also known as social anxiety) is a common disabling anxiety disorder that affects around 21.42% of people worldwide at any given time. Social anxiety is typically when people have a sense of indescribable dread in such occasions as simple social interactions. This type of Social phobia often tends to appear around the age of 13 in males or females. Having social anxiety can lower someone 's self-esteem which causes a link with depression or panic attacks often altering their life course.

 A good example is when one is offering a speech or being interviewed for a job.The greatest fear of a person suffering from social anxiety disorder is to make mistakes. They also fear to get any embarrassments, look stupid or bad, or feel humiliated in front of people. Lack of social skills or social situations’ experiences trigger fear, and in worse cases, the fear can lead to panic attacks. Majority of the patients of social anxiety disorder also end up suffering the anticipatory disorder where they become fearful of a situation even before it has taken place. Though the person may know that the fear is not reasonable, he still lacks the ability of overcoming it.

 People suffering from social anxiety disorder will mostly feel like there is something not right about them, though they won’t identify the feeling as an illness sign. Some of the symptoms of social anxiety disorder include: Intense anxiety in any social situations, social situations avoidance,  confusion, heart pounding, muscle tension, shaking, sweating, blushing, stomach upset, and diarrhoea.

 Social Anxiety certainly doesn't come with a guide book! So now how to help the people suffering  from social anxiety? So here are the best 5 ways in which you can actually help them:

1. Work with their emotions

The key thing to remember is that anxiety is not a rational disorder. Therefore, a rational response will most likely not help, especially during a moment of distress. Instead, try to work with the emotions. Accept that they feel anxious and, rather than being direct, be patient and kind. Remind them that while they may feel distressed, the feeling will pass.

Work with the irrational thoughts and acknowledge that the person is worried. For example, try something like: “I can understand why you feel that way, but I can assure you that it’s just your anxiety. It isn’t real.” 

 

 

2. Focus on their feelings

Don’t ask why the person is feeling anxious. Instead, ask them how they are feeling. Encourage them to list their symptoms. Give the sufferer room to feel without interruption. If they’re crying, let them cry. It’ll release the pressure faster.

 

3. Use distraction techniques

Perhaps suggest taking a walk, reading a book, or playing a game like I Spy or the Alphabet Game.   This will distract the anxious brain and enable the person to calm down naturally. It’s also fun for everyone. 

 

4. Be patient

Patience is a virtue when it comes to anxiety. Try not to lose your temper or snap at the person. Wait for the worst part of the attack to spike before taking action or trying to help the person rationalize what is happening. 

 

5. And finally, be funny!

Laughter kills stress like water kills fire. 

The bottom line? Anxiety is not an easy condition to deal with, but with patience, love, and understanding, there are plenty of ways to help.

Written by: Dhara Patel 

Amity University Rajasthan 

B.tech (Food Technology)