How Does Treatment for Social Anxiety Work?

Do you feel nervous when meeting new people? Does the fear of speaking in public make you not participate, even though you might enjoy the activities? 

Sometimes, social situations can be nerve-wracking. But when it starts to impact your mental health and day-to-day activities, it will make a lot of difference if you approach a mental health professional.

Social Anxiety has a significant impact on a person's personal and professional life. Unless treated, it can become a chronic condition. Fortunately, with the right treatment, managing the symptoms of Social Anxiety is much easier.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social Anxiety Disorder, or Social Phobia, can become a debilitating mental health condition. It is characterised by the fear of embarrassing oneself in social situations or being under scrutiny. In social situations, an individual may experience physical reactions such as:

• Shortness of breath

• Trembling

• Nausea

• Sweating

People with social anxiety find it difficult to meet new people or be in unfamiliar social settings. Often, those dealing with social anxiety disorders become preoccupied with their worries about social events. Their lives start revolving around avoiding social situations as much as possible. 

Also read: Social Anxiety - Are You Experiencing It?

What are the available treatments for Social Anxiety?

According to research, the prevalence rate of Social Anxiety Disorder among young people in India is 7.8%. Yet, it is almost impossible to avoid social situations. Hence, understanding different social anxiety treatments help you manage your symptoms with ease.

Based on your anxiety symptoms, your social anxiety disorder treatment plan may vary. When creating a treatment plan, your mental health provider considers various factors. These include accessibility, research evidence, and efficacy, to ensure you receive quality care.

Therapy

Based on research, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy is highly effective in treating Social Anxiety Disorder. CBT is an extensive process requiring several sessions to treat any mental health condition. Cognitive Behavioural Techniques are effective in helping you identify irrational and negative thought patterns. Over time, you can begin replacing irrational beliefs with more realistic scenarios, using these techniques. 

Besides Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, other approaches can also help treat social phobia. Using tools like role-playing, or relaxation techniques, therapists help individuals overcome their symptoms.

Also read: The Benefits of Therapy for Social Anxiety

Teletherapy

Anxiety related to meeting a new person can prevent those dealing with social phobia from seeking professional help. In such cases, therapy delivered remotely, or teletherapy can be an effective tool. With teletherapy, the person can access safe and quality care from the comfort of their own home. Without the pressure of putting themselves in a new social situation, the person feels more at ease. 

Medication

Severe Social Phobia can be debilitating and significantly impair your daily life. In some cases, medication may be necessary. While several medication options exist, Selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors are found to be the most effective. Keep in mind, only your psychiatrist, who provides the right medication support, can prescribe medicines for your condition. 

Also read: What To Expect From a Psychiatric Consultation

Support groups

Dealing with mental health conditions can make us feel isolated and alone. But, with online support groups, it is easy to connect with those who may be going through the same thing. When you connect with others in an online support group, you can not only share your experience with others but also learn from them.

When opting for a treatment plan it is important to remember that you will need to stick to it. Therapy and medication can be effective, but they take time to work. An effective treatment plan equips you with tools to cope with your symptoms, which can take some time depending on your individual needs.