Question 1

What is Social Anxiety?

Accepted Answer

Social anxiety is a chronic mental health condition in which an individual might feel a lot of anxiety when in a social situation. There is an intense fear of negative judgment from others and this causes a lot of distress and anxiety.

Question 2

What is the difference between shyness and Social Anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Shyness is a feeling of awkwardness or worry that occurs during social situations. Almost everyone feels shy every now and then, and it is a completely normal feeling to have.
On the other hand, Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is a severe fear of situations involving interaction with others or any kind of social situation, particularly when there is a possibility of being judged by strangers. Exposure to social situations can immediately provoke an anxiety response, leading to avoidance of the situation. This further causes various emotional and behavioural problems such as loss of self-confidence, depression, and substance abuse. Thus, shyness and social anxiety are not the same.
Social Anxiety can interfere with a person's ability to function in daily life. It can stop them from becoming involved in relationships, romantic or friendship. Some may avoid eating at a restaurant or using a public restroom, causing them to miss out on joining family members and friends. For some, it prevents them from working. Many people with SAD feel isolated and alone.

Question 3

What are the main signs and symptoms of Social Anxiety?

Accepted Answer

The major symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
• Intense fear of social situations
• Fear of others noticing nervousness
• Anxiety due to anticipating a social interaction
• Intense fear of interacting with strangers
• Avoidance of certain situations where the individual is the centre of attention

Physical symptoms include:
• Sweating
• Rapid heart rate
• Feeling dizzy or lightheaded
• Blushing
• Muscle tension
• Tremors (involuntary shaking of hands)
• Nausea and upset stomach
• Trouble breathing and catching your breath

Question 4

How to manage Social Anxiety?

Accepted Answer

There are certain things you can do to manage social anxiety on your own.
They include:
Self-care:
• Try to understand more about your anxiety, by thinking about or writing down social triggers, what goes through your mind and how you behave in certain social situations, it can help to keep a diary.
• Try some relaxation techniques, such as breathing exercises for anxiety.
Seeking community support:
•Connect with people who understand what you're going through because they are managing the same condition.
•Share your experiences, and coping techniques that worked for you, and help support others.
• Speaking with a group of people who relate to your anxiety symptoms is also an excellent practice for interacting in social settings, and exposing yourself to social situations that otherwise seemed fearful.

Question 5

How do therapy & psychiatry help in treating Social Anxiety disorder?

Accepted Answer

Therapy can primarily benefit in the following ways: Interpreting external social events in a realistic way Shifting the focus of attention from self to others in social conversations. Help process social cues better and build their social skills. Dealing with the negative beliefs that maintain anxiety in social situations Psychiatry can benefit in the following ways: Increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain by using medicines known as SSRIs, and reducing anxiety Work with other medications that can help stop panic attacks Help deal with other medical concerns that may contribute to or worsen the anxiety Monitor your progress over time and help talk to other professionals to help get better

In person mental health support available in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi

In person mental health support available in Bengaluru, Mumbai and Delhi

Overcome Social Anxiety and Be Yourself

We understand what it is like to go through Social Anxiety - and we're here to help you.

This is what the symptoms of Social Anxiety can look like...

Intense fear during social interactions

Intense anxiety when you're anticipating a social interaction

Fear that others will notice your nervousness

Fear of interacting with strangers

Avoiding situations where you're the center of attention

Physical symptoms like sweating or breathlessness during social situations.

Unsure about your symptoms?

Take our Social Anxiety test and get an instant report to understand your symptoms.

Try the Amaha approach to Social Anxiety treatment

Facing the challenges of social anxiety is never easy. It can leave you feeling paralyzed, unsafe and ashamed.Get help from professionals who understand social anxiety disorder inside & out.

Talk to a therapist

Your therapist will help you overcome the anxiety that accompanies social situations. Learn how to overcome your anxiety in a safe & empathetic space.

Talk to a psychiatrist

Understand the mental, physical & emotional roots of your social anxiety with your psychiatrist. Work with them to create a treatment plan, which might include medication support.

Access self-care tools

Get recommendations for self-care tools that you can use between sessions to cope with nervousness, intrusive thoughts and fear about upcoming interactions.

Join the Community

Reach out to others that are going through similar challenges as you. Share your experiences and learn from others in our anonymous anxiety community.

Choose the Social Anxiety treatment option that works for you

Your recovery from social anxiety is our biggest priority. We'll be right at your side, at every step.

Let an Amaha therapist help you

Choose from some of the most established experts in treating social anxiety, who will help you using proven techniques like CBT.

Access therapist-recommended activities to manage anxiety and fear that you might experience between sessions.

Measure your progress with ease, and see real changes in your mental health over time.

Speak to an Amaha Psychiatrist

Speak to a psychiatrist who knows social anxiety thoroughly and learn how to interact with confidence.

Undergo an assessment to get a medical diagnosis and understand your concerns in depth.

Receive ongoing care (which may include medication) to manage anxiety, and its physical symptoms.

Access personalised self-care with the Amaha App

Get a personalised anxiety self-care plan with 500+ activities & learn to cope with nervousness and fear.

Talk to Allie, our 24*7 chatbot, when you’re feeling overwhelmed by feelings of anxiety or worry.

Use our goal tracker & mood tracker to assess your progress and find ways to find emotional balance.

Join the Amaha Community

Get access to a moderated safe space with similar peers.

Stay 100% anonymous in the community platform and share openly.

Get help & advice in real-time on how to cope with the daily struggles of living with anxiety.

Not sure what kind of care you need?

Finding the right treatment is a key step in your mental health journey. Talk to one of our mental health coaches to receive a personalised recommendation that will work for you.

Your questions about Social Anxiety, answered

What is Social Anxiety?

What is the difference between shyness and Social Anxiety disorder?

What are the main signs and symptoms of Social Anxiety?

How to manage Social Anxiety?

How do therapy & psychiatry help in treating Social Anxiety disorder?

Learn more about Social Anxiety

How Does Therapy Help With Anxiety?

Social Anxiety - Are You Experiencing It?

How Long Will I Need to Be in Therapy for Anxiety?

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In person mental health support available in
Bengaluru
,
Mumbai
and
Delhi

In person mental health support available in
Bengaluru
,
Mumbai
and
Delhi

Facing the challenges of social anxiety is never easy. It can leave you feeling paralyzed, unsafe and ashamed.
Get help from professionals who understand social anxiety disorder inside & out.

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for Good

Build a good life for yourself
with Amaha

Best App
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