Anxiety: Social Anxiety

By: Stefani Stojanoska

Social anxiety disorder is a persistent and intense fear of social settings. People who have social anxiety are afraid of being judged by others or humiliated. This disorder can affect an individual’s daily life such as work and school. Being able to do daily things such as eating or using the bathroom can cause an individual to have an intense amount of anxiety.

Here are some symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder

1. Avoiding eye contact and speaking in a soft voice
   
2. Feeling self-conscious or feeling others are always judging you
   
3. Sweating, trembling, shaky voice, and rapid heartbeat when in social settings
   
4. Worrying about upcoming events or activities

Some treatments for Social Anxiety Disorder

1. Cognitive behavioral therapy-This therapy helps individuals learn how to think, behave, and react to social situations to help reduce anxiety
   
2. Medications are also helpful for social anxiety. The best types of medications for this disorder are SSRIs and SNRIs. SSRIs increase serotonin levels while SNRIs increase serotonin and norepinephrine levels.
   
3. Hypnotherapy is a great way to help reduce anxiety. Individuals who choose hypnotherapy will learn how to get into a state of relaxation. This will allow them to learn how to relax their mind without feeling anxious.

If you or someone you know is struggling with anxiety or their mental health, please contact our psychotherapy offices in New York or New Jersey to talk to one of our licensed professional psychologists, psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners, or psychotherapists at Arista Counseling & Psychotherapy. Contact our Paramus, NJ, or Manhattan, NY offices respectively, at (201) 368-3700 or (212) 722-1920 to set up an appointment. For more information, please visit https://aristapsychiatrypsychotherapy.com/