Social anxiety is a form of anxiety disorder. Someone with a social anxiety disorder may feel an intense amount of fear or anxiety in social situations. They may be apprehensive when meeting someone new, going on a date, interviewing for a job, or being called on in class. In some cases, everyday tasks become difficult to complete if they must do them in front of others.
People who suffer from social anxiety live in constant fear that they will be rejected, judged, or humiliated. The fear is so intense that it is almost impossible to manage. As a result, someone with the disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of self-medication. Drug and alcohol detox centers in Ohio, like Midwest Detox, offer comprehensive treatment programs that help clients overcome addiction and manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
Explore Why You Are Anxious
The best way to overcome anxiety is to explore the underlying factors that trigger your fears. There are many possible reasons why you live in a state of social anxiety, including:
- Childhood trauma
- Daily stress
- Addiction to drugs or alcohol
- Family conflict
- Bullying
- Abuse
An individual therapy program connects you with a therapist who can help you uncover your condition’s root causes. You can also learn how to manage your anxiety and function in social settings.
Confront Your Fears
One of the things that you learn in therapy is how to confront your fears. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps you explore the negative thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors that fuel your fears. Exposure therapy helps you take part in social interaction that may slightly trigger anxiety so that you can work your way through your fears with every interaction.
Talk About Your Anxiety
Talking in a situation that makes you nervous can be hard. However, silence makes you feel even more awkward. The best way to work through the situation is to start talking. Engage in conversation or initiate a conversation. Don’t worry about what to say or if you say the wrong thing. Just getting a conversation going is enough. The more you talk, the more natural engaging others will feel.
Don’t Be Hard on Yourself
Everyone has fears. More specifically, everyone has fears that they are ashamed of or embarrassed about. In your group therapy program, you may discover that your group has various fears and phobias. So, don’t be too hard on yourself for having social anxiety. In time, you will learn how to work through this struggle and engage with people again.
Search for Social Activities and Events
The only way to get out there is to get out there. Make a conscious effort to spend more with people in social settings. Actively look for events or activities in your area and make plans to attend. You may feel comfortable finding activities that you are naturally interested in. This may attract people who share your interests and thoughts. It makes socializing much easier.
Get Help for an Addiction
If you cannot manage the symptoms of anxiety, you may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. However, this often leads to substance abuse or dependency. A substance abuse treatment program can help you work through your disorder while also overcoming your addiction. Therapists use dual diagnosis as a treatment for co-occurring disorders such as anxiety and addiction.
Get Help for Social Anxiety at Midwest Detox Center
If you are struggling with social anxiety or addiction, Midwest Detox Center can help. We offer addiction treatment therapies that help you recover from mental health issues and substance abuse. To find out more about your treatment options, call Midwest Detox Center at 833.647.0392, or contact us online. We are here to help you get on the road to recovery.
