Do you experience intense anxiety or nervousness when faced with social situations?
Do you fear being judged or criticized by others?
Are you constantly worried about making mistakes, appearing bad/boring/unintelligent, or being embarrassed in front of others?
If you answered yes to any of the above, you may have social anxiety disorder. While it is normal to feel nervous in some social situations, people who experience social anxiety tend to avoid everyday interactions that cause them significant fear, anxiety, self-consciousness, and embarrassment because they fear being scrutinized or judged by others.
People with Social Anxiety Disorder often experience significant distress in the following situations:
- Being teased or criticized
- Being the center of attention
- Being watched or observed while completing a task
- Having to say something in a formal, public setting
- Meeting people in authority, such as important people or authority figures
- Feeling insecure and out of place in social situations
- Embarrassing easily
- Avoiding social events and public places
Therapy sessions can help in gaining the confidence to improve ability to interact with others and stop avoiding places and situations. Virtual reality therapy environments of social situations can be integrated to practice skills in a safe setting.
If you think you may have social anxiety, contact me for a complimentary consultation.