Social Anxiety Therapy Palatine, IL

Social Anxiety Therapy Palatine, IL

Social anxiety is also known as social phobia, and is described as a fear of interacting with others apart from close family members and friends. Social anxiety tends to be persistent and can have a serious affect on a person’s quality of life. According to the Social Anxiety Association, social anxiety disorder is the third largest mental health care problem in the world. In the U.S., the phobia affects at least 7 percent of the population. The lifetime prevalence rate (i.e. the likelihood of developing it at anytime during a person’s life) is 13 percent. In general, social anxiety therapy in Palatine, IL will be needed to overcome the problem.

Social Anxiety is Very Common

Social anxiety affects men, women, and children from all backgrounds. The condition is treatable, but usually does not go away without seeking social anxiety therapy in Palatine, Illinois. There are many situations that can trigger anxiety, and may include:

• Party
• Gathering
• Public speaking
• A meeting
• Job interview
• Reading aloud in class
• Meeting with an authority figure

Some people might also struggle to go grocery shopping, talk on the phone, or handle basic tasks that involve communicating with another person. It must be noted that while nearly all people will experience some degree of anxiety during social interaction, a person with social anxiety will find their feelings to be persistent and severe. An anxiety therapist Palatine, IL has to offer can help these feelings to become less present; thereby, improving the quality of a person’s life.

Types of Social Anxiety

As a social anxiety counselor might explain, there are two primary types of social anxiety. These include: generalized and non-generalized.

Generalized Social Anxiety – A person with this type of anxiety might try to avoid any social situation. They might fear negative judgement so much that any interaction is difficult.

Non- Generalized Social Anxiety – This anxiety does not occur all the time. Rather, a specific social situation will trigger the anxiety. Examples might include, going to a business meeting, attending a party, or going on a date.

Agoraphobia and Social Anxiety

It is not uncommon for a person who has generalized social anxiety to also suffer from agoraphobia. This is a phobia linked to anxiety and is a fear of large or unknown public places. A person with agoraphobia might avoid these places so as to prevent a panic attack or severe anxiety breakdown.

Signs of Social Anxiety 

Social anxiety goes beyond the fear of interacting with another person. The condition tends to include excessive worry about negative judgement and criticism and can range in its severity. The signs and symptoms may include:

• Shortness of breath
• Rapid heart rate
• Rapid breathing
• Faintness
• Crying
• Shaking
• Sweating

It is also common for a person to have anxious thoughts such as “I don’t fit in here”, or “People won’t like me.” They might also:

• Frequently apologize
• Spent a lot of time preparing for the social interaction
• Leave abruptly
• Avoid entering the situation
• Seek out reassurance from others

Long term social anxiety can lead to many other problems including low self esteem, depression, and loneliness. Social anxiety therapy in Palatine, IL can help. There are various tools that can be used to address the condition. If you believe social anxiety is hindering your life, going to social anxiety therapy in Palatine, IL is recommended. Call Lotus Wellness Center today.