Are You Experiencing Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health disorder characterized by a fear of social interactions. Those affected by the disorder may find being in situations with other people to be difficult. Sometimes, people with social anxiety can feel self-conscious and they may experience a fear of being judged by others. People with social anxiety may also experience physical symptoms such as blushing, sweating, and trembling when they are in a social situation. The isolation of COVID-19 gave rise to an increase in social anxiety. With restrictions now lifting, many of us have found ourselves feeling socially out of practice. If you are experiencing social anxiety, seeking "counseling near me" may be your first step in recovery.
Tips for Overcoming Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder is a treatable disorder and can be overcome. The following tips can help you to conquer your fear and rejoin the world.
Join a Support Group
If you're looking for "counseling near me", one option is to join a support group for social anxiety. Spending time with others with similar experiences may help you feel less alone in your recovery. Being in a safe and comfortable place with people who want to listen and help can make all the difference.
Take Care of Yourself
Taking care of yourself mentally and physically is important in any recovery process. Make sure to get enough rest, feed yourself, and move your body in a way that feels good to you.
Keep a Journal
A journal is a safe outlet for your thoughts and feelings that can help you work toward opening up to others. Journals are excellent resources for processing emotions and overcoming internal thoughts that may be holding you back.
Create an Anxiety Hierarchy
Create a rating system for social situations and how they make you feel. The scale can be from 0 (no anxiety) to 10 (a full panic attack). Then, write down a list of different situations that you have or may find yourself in and give a rating for each situation. When you're in these situations in the future, be sure to compare your predicated rating with how you actually felt in the situation. This may help you to see that your perceived anxiety is often worse than the reality of the situation. The hierarchy can also help you to see how much progress you make as you work through your social anxieties.
Be Kind to Yourself
Social anxiety is an incredibly common experience, with most people experiencing feelings of social anxiety from time to time. Showing yourself compassion and kindness as you work through your journey is key when focusing on your mental health.
Search for "Counseling Near Me" for Professional Help
Finding a counselor with experience in treating social anxiety disorder A counselor will help you to learn how to cope with the symptoms of the disorder and guide you on your road to recovery. Search "counseling near me" to find a licensed and experienced therapist.
Contact B'well Counseling
B'well Counseling Services is a mental health therapy practice offering a full range of therapeutic services including online counseling in Towson, MD and the Greater Baltimore area. We believe in helping people rekindle their curiosity and reconnect to their core selves so that they can truly be well. We value wellness and connection over happiness because we understand that being able to experience the full range of human emotions and experiences is what helps us heal and grow. At B'well, we are dedicated to creating a space for anyone who has ever felt unwelcome because of their identity, orientation, or expression.
B'well Counseling Services offers Telehealth Therapy Services. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.