Online Therapy for Social Anxiety in Roswell, GA

Social anxiety disorder is a very common mental health disorder that’s characterized by intense and persistent fear of being negatively judged, humiliated, rejected, and/or watched by others. Those with a social anxiety disorder may experience fear in all social situations or very specific ones. This may include settings where they must:
 
● Answer or make phone calls.
● Answer questions in front of other people.
● Ask for help from a stranger or unfamiliar person.
● Be with people they’re unfamiliar with.
● Date or develop relationships.
● Eat in front of people.
● Exist in a crowded or public setting.
● Meeting new people.
● Partake in an interview.
● Perform or speak in public.
● Work in a group.

Symptoms, thoughts, and behaviors associated with social anxiety disorder crop up when the sufferer is around a person or group of people that they fear will negatively judge them. They may experience symptoms in very specific situations or in all social situations, and in varying intensities.
 
These symptoms may include:
 
● Avoiding certain places and social events.
● Avoiding eye contact with others.
● Being fearful that other people will judge, humiliate, or reject you.
● Being very self-conscious and/or self-critical in front of others.
● Constant fidgeting.
● Fearing upcoming social events.
● Feeling embarrassed or awkward when around others.
● Feeling like your heart is racing.
● Finding it difficult to be around other people, especially ones you don’t know.
● Isolating yourself in social situations to avoid having to talk to others.
● Nervousness to the point of feeling nauseated.
● Not knowing what to say when others are conversing with you.
● Stiff body posture.
● Uncontrollable blushing, sweating or shaking.

Further research must be done to understand what leads people to develop a social anxiety disorder.
 
While there is no definitive cause for this disorder, initial studies suggest that there may be certain risk factors that elevate your chances of developing it. This includes having a history of the disorder in your family and if you were exposed to stressful or traumatic life events.

It’s completely normal to experience shyness from time to time. The difference between being shy and having a social anxiety disorder is that social anxiety interferes with your life consistently and often prevents you from doing day-to-day activities such as going out with friends or making general conversation with people. It causes severe fear and anxiety that is abnormal to the situation.
 
Social anxiety disorder also typically affects personal and professional relationships in a negative way – something that is occasionally shy and doesn’t do.
 
Those with social anxiety disorder often reject help or don’t seek treatment because they misconstrue their social anxiety as being part of their personality. However, it’s important to keep the context of your symptoms and their severity in mind when determining if you need to seek help. It’s important to reach out to your primary care physician or an experienced mental health specialist if you’re experiencing persistent and intense symptoms when faced with social situations.
 
At Person All Counseling, you can rest assured knowing that your comfort and care are at the forefront of every session. If you think you may have a social anxiety disorder or are looking for support after a recent diagnosis, reach out to us. We would be happy to guide you toward the treatment path that is right for you. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We serve clients from Roswell GA, Mountain Park GA, Dunwoody GA, Sandy Springs GA, Alpharetta GA, and surrounding areas.