Is being shy just anxiety?
Shyness can be a very serious thing, but does it really have to be? If you are shy, there are things you can do to make it less severe. In this article, I’ll give you a look at some of the treatments that are available for shyness and social anxiety disorder.
Introversion vs. social anxiety
Introversion and social anxiety are two things that are often confused. However, there are some real differences between the two.
Firstly, introversion isn’t as big as you might think. It is a style of behavior that’s influenced by many factors. This includes personality traits, social environments, and even the fMRI (functional magnetic resonance imaging).
On the other hand, social anxiety is a mental health condition characterized by a significant level of nervousness during social situations. Those who suffer from it find it hard to approach people or participate in social activities.
The most common affliction of individuals with social anxiety is a fear of being evaluated by others. Those who are socially anxious often mistakenly interpret other people’s behavior as hostile or embarrassing.
Fortunately, there is a way to conquer your social anxiety. There are several treatments available, but you can start by taking a free anxiety screen from the Medical Health Alliance.
Interestingly, the MHA screen includes a “Mirror-Me-Mentor” quiz, which is a fun and enlightening way to test your social awareness. The results should be more than enough to get you started on the road to recovery.
If you’re an introvert, you might not have any problems making friends. However, you might be tempted to keep your social circle small. In a society that encourages extraversion, this can be a problem.
Treatment for shyness
Shyness is a natural feeling that affects many of us. However, it can be a problem if it interferes with your ability to pursue your dreams and goals. To help you overcome shyness, you need to learn some helpful techniques.
One of the most effective treatments for shyness involves social skills training. This includes enhancing your communication and assertiveness skills. It also helps you learn how to avoid common shyness-causing behaviors such as slouching, crossing arms, and hand-in-pocket.
Another effective method is to write down positive coping statements. These can be written up to 30 times a day. The goal is to change your responses to memories and experiences, and to make you more confident in your social skills.
Another way to improve your social life is to seek out opportunities to engage in activities you find enjoyable. Identifying people who are better than you can help motivate you to do the same. You should also try to remember some embarrassing moments you had in the past, and replay them for yourself.
Using a diary to record your emotions and reactions to situations you are uncomfortable with can be helpful. You can also try out some relaxation techniques, such as controlled breathing and progressive relaxation of the major muscle groups.
Treatment options for social anxiety disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a condition that causes people to fear social situations. People may have symptoms of extreme anxiety when they are speaking in public, eating in public, buying something in a store or attending a social event.
There are several treatment options available for social anxiety disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one of the most effective. It teaches people to understand their thoughts and behaviors in social situations. During the process, patients learn to recognize and question their negative thoughts, and reframe them.
Antidepressants can also help to treat symptoms. They work by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. This helps to regulate mood. These medications are available as capsules and oral tablets. However, they can take some time to work.