Journey from Fear to Freedom: What is The Best Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
With the increased pace of life, the fear of being judged or feeling embarrassed in front of others can also get amplified. Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also commonly referred to as Social Phobia, is characterized by the persistent uneasiness related to being in social situations due to fear of judgment or feeling ashamed.
Imagine someone who is unable to develop interpersonal relationships, interact with others, and experiences extreme stress related to social situations—life can become challenging, and therefore seeking professional support for the same is highly recommended. As one gathers the courage to seek support, questions can arise, such as:
- What is the best treatment for social anxiety disorder?
- How can I find the right professionals to help with social anxiety disorder treatment?
Through this blog, we shall explore the different treatment options for social anxiety disorder. We hope this write-up will be useful for you in navigating the journey from fear to freedom!
Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety can impact an individual’s behavior, cognition, and emotions. Social anxiety disorder can be better understood with the help of specific signs and symptoms such as:
- Fear of social situations
- Avoiding social situations
- Feeling anxious because of social situations
Furthermore, the duration for which a person experiences these concerns and the intensity of these concerns can help in proper diagnosis and assessment of the disorder. It is important to seek support from a clinical psychologist or psychiatrist for proper diagnosis of SAD since self-diagnosis may lead to more harm than benefit.
A few examples of how SAD can impact different aspects of life include:
- Avoiding group discussions or public interactions
- Difficulty maintaining eye contact
- Experience of panic attack during social situations
- Unable to develop and maintain friendships
- Inability to engage properly in school or workplace due to constantly perceived threat
While the experience for each individual can vary based on the diagnosis and severity level, the above-listed points can help in getting a glimpse of social anxiety disorder.
Psychotherapy: Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
In-depth individual counseling sessions with specific therapeutic modalities can help the individual look at the world from a calmer lens. Psychotherapy can provide the individual with a safe and supportive environment to gradually develop a trusting relationship with the therapist and set realistic mental health goals to improve the quality of life.
Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) is one of the most renowned treatment for social anxiety disorder. Cognitive restructuring, that is, identifying automatic negative thoughts and core beliefs, and working on them systematically, helps the individual better understand their view of themselves, the world, and others.
The use of exposure, wherein an individual creates a hierarchy and rates the intensity of fear associated with different situations, is often part of psychotherapy sessions.
Relaxation Techniques: Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
Experiencing anxiety can involve physiological arousal, such as increased heartbeat, sweating, and trembling. To better manage these responses, relaxation techniques like Progressive Muscle Relaxation can be used alongside other psychotherapeutic approaches.
Clients can be trained in specific relaxation techniques to build a coping toolkit for challenging times. This can incorporate deep breathing, muscle relaxation, and grounding techniques. Regular practice can enhance overall well-being.
Social Skills Training: Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
SAD often impacts interpersonal relationships. Social skills training allows individuals to practice social interaction in a comfortable environment. Behavioral rehearsal, modeling, observation, and reinforcement are a few methods used in social skills training.
With regular practice and professional support, social skills training can gradually improve interpersonal relationships. From the development of relationships to their maintenance, each step is covered as part of detailed training, tailored to individual concerns.
Pharmacotherapy: Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder
Anxiety attacks can be challenging to cope with. Depending on the severity of concerns, psychiatrists may prescribe medication. After a thorough analysis of the individual's needs, specific medications and dosages can be recommended. Medications may also help treat co-occurring mental illnesses and promote emotional regulation.
It's pivotal to share complete medical history with the psychiatrist to ensure informed decisions regarding medications. Practitioners can then tailor treatment plans with past health records in mind.
Athena Behavioral Health: Safe Space for Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
If you or anyone you know is struggling with anxiety, know that it is possible to cope and live a healthier life. Taking that first courageous step to seek support from the right professionals can help you navigate the journey to better mental wellness.
At our anxiety treatment centre, we have a comprehensive team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, and paramedical staff to support you on this journey toward freedom.
We help you work on your deepest concerns in the safest way so you can live a fulfilling life. We strive to develop customized care plans for each individual to ensure the best treatment for social anxiety disorder.
Connect with us today by calling +91 9289086193 or emailing us at customercare@athenabhs.com.
