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What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Previously know as Social Phobia, this is a fairly common psychological phenomenon that is so persistent that it impairs or impedes the life of individuals with the disorder. It is characterised by the consistent and persistent fear that something unpleasant may occur in social situations. It typically presents itself in middle adolescence between the ages of 14 and 16 and can be quite traumatic. In sufferers social situations create extreme anxiety and traumatic dread.

Because of the nature of this topic, today I will be opening a little more of my soul for your inspection.

Although it may seem odd considering I have chosen a profession as a professional development training and speaker, this is an issue I have struggled with all my life. In fact, the intense anxiety I experienced began to develop at a much younger age than the indicated 14 to 16 years. Even as a very young elementary school students I remember suffering tremendous fear and anxiety at the mere prospect of possible humiliation as a result of interacting socially with others.

However, an analysis of my underlying temperament uncovered the fact the true source of my anxiety was a fear of a loss of control which manifested itself as S.A.D. It seems my anxiety was  an obsession with imposing order in all facets of my life rather than just in social situations.

My peculiar solution was to undertake roles which allowed me to orchestrate much of the interactions that took place in social situations. By planning events, conducting trainings, seminars and speaking I could impact the way social groups interacted and thus meet my need for control while simultaneously overcoming my anxiety.

Upon further study, it appears that the source of my anxiety might not be so rare after all. In fact, it may be that many sufferers of Social Anxiety Disorder may find the source of their anxiety in that very same need for the security of control.

Some of the signs and symptoms include:

1. An extreme fear of meeting new people or being critiqued by others
2. Fear induced avoidance of most social interactions
3. Physical symptoms: blushing, sweating, shaking, trembling, tense muscles, shaky voice, dry mouth and pounding heart

Nearly all of us experience some anxiety of this type at one time or another. But, if it has come to such a degree that it is interfering with your ability to function, the disorder may be present.

Suggestions for working through anxiety begin with a series of small desensitizing steps (modified from the Mayo Clinic).

1. Eat in a public place with a close friend or relative
2. Be the first to say hello, make eye contact and exchange greetings with others
3. Read the newspaper in order to be prepared to engage in casual conversations
4. Give someone a compliment
5. Focus on your positive personal characteristics
6. Ask others about their children, grandchildren, hobbies, travels, or homes
7. Ask a clerk to help you find a store item
8. Ask directions from a stranger

What are your thoughts on this topic? Do you have other solutions for this issue?

*Bonus Question: Would you happen to have a nice graphic to go with this article?

This entry was posted on Tuesday, February 26th, 2008 at 2:56 pm and is filed under Elemental Truths, Reg Adkins, behavior, tips. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.