How to Treat and Identify Social Phobias

Social Phobia is the fear of being around other people who might judge or criticize you. Social Phobia is also know as Social Anxiety Disorder according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Someone with this phobia might be afraid to speak in public or eat in front of people. In very severe cases, people don't even want to leave the house because they are afraid someone might judge or laugh at them. Its very easy to identify someone with social anxiety. The major physical symptoms are difficulty talking, profuse sweating, nausea, trembling, and blushing. The non physical signs are shyness, fear of being in public, and low self-esteem. Now its easy to confuse social anxiety with regular anxiety. Regular anxiety is temporary. Its common to be nervous before a job interview or a date. Your nerves go away after a few minutes. But with social anxiety, your nerves never go away. You can't enjoy your life because every moment you are wondering if someone is judging or laughing at you. I know because I have social anxiety.

I was diagnosed with social anxiety when I was sixteen because I got to a point where I didn't want to live anymore. I skipped school because I didn't want to be judged or laughed at. I had difficulty talking. I was sick all the time. It was the worst point of my life. At moment I was diagnosed with social anxiety, I was so relieved that I was finally getting help. My doctor first put me on a drug called Paxil. When I started taking Paxil, I became a different person. I attended school everyday. I made new friends. I was happy.

People with social anxiety can be happy. There are many ways to treat the disorder. Medicine is the most common and effective way to treat it. There are many drugs out there that can help you live your life without fear. Its important to get as much information as you can about the drug before you start taking it. Do some research online then talk to your doctor and see what he recommend. If you choose to take medication for your social anxiety disorder, beware that you might be taking it for the rest of your life. Because it is a drug and you might feel signs of withdrawal if you stop taking the medication. I personally have tried to stop taking Paxil but I realized that the drug is helping me function day by day. I need it to be happy and to enjoy life. But if you decide to stop taking your medication, please consult your doctor first.

The second most common treatment for social anxiety is therapy. There are two types of therapy you can consider. The first one is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). In this kind of therapy, you will confront your fear of being judged. You will learn to think differently and to change your behavior that might contribute to your disorder. The second therapy option is Social Skills Training. Social Skills Training is basically "talk" therapy. A therapist will teach you how to confront difficult social situations. They will teach you how to make eye contact, talk louder, greet people, and how to take criticism. Talking to a therapist and taking medication can change your life for the better. These are options that everybody with social phobia must consider. If you don't know if you have social anxiety, please talk to a doctor. They can easy find out if you do. Or you can take the Social Phobia Inventory (SPIN). Its a self test that you can take online to find out if you have social anxiety. Go to http://www.paxilcr.com/social_anxiety_disorder/sad_self_test.jsp to take the self test. It is very important to seek help if you think you may have social anxiety disorder. There are so many good doctors out there who are waiting to help you live a happy life. Take the first step and call one today.