Understanding Social Anxiety Disorder
Also known as “social phobia,” social anxiety disorder causes someone to fear everyday social interactions intensely. This is more than shyness or a fear of public speaking—someone with social anxiety disorder excessively worries about being judged during everyday situations, such as making eye contact with someone or talking to a stranger. They may be reluctant to attend school, work, a date, or a party, and they may also feel anxious about eating in front of others, using public restrooms, or returning items to stores.
Physical Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder
In addition to feeling anxiety, embarrassment, fear, humiliation, or self-consciousness, someone with social anxiety disorder may experience:
Blushing
Difficulty catching their breath
Dizziness
Increased heart rate
Lightheadedness
Muscle tension
Nausea
Sweating
Trembling
Voice shakiness
If someone with a social anxiety disorder experiences physical signs like the ones listed above, they may also worry that others will notice that they appear anxious.
How Is Social Anxiety Disorder Treated?
Treatment for social anxiety disorder varies depending on factors such as symptom severity. With that said many people with this type of anxiety benefit from attending counseling and taking medication such as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), an anti-anxiety medication, or a beta-blocker.
The Provider to Choose for Anxiety Disorder Treatment
If you’re worried about social anxiety disorder or another type of anxiety, you can rely on us for treatment. We regularly assist patients with anxiety and can do the same for you. Contact us today to request an appointment.
Music Therapy Can Offer Several Benefits:
Emotional Regulation: Music can evoke emotions and be used to help individuals manage their emotional responses. Through music therapy, individuals with social anxiety can learn to identify and regulate their emotions, making coping with anxiety-inducing social situations easier.
Relaxation and Stress Reduction: Listening to calming music or engaging in music-making activities such as playing an instrument or singing can promote peace and reduce stress. This can be particularly helpful for individuals with social anxiety, as it can mitigate the physical and psychological symptoms associated with anxiety.
Self-Expression: Many people with social anxiety struggle to express themselves in social settings. Music therapy provides a non-verbal avenue for self-expression, allowing individuals to convey their thoughts, feelings, and experiences through music without the pressure of speaking.
Building Confidence: Engaging in music therapy can boost self-esteem and confidence. As individuals develop musical skills and achieve goals in music therapy sessions, they may gain a sense of accomplishment that carries over into other areas of their lives, helping them feel more capable in social situations.
Social Engagement: Group music therapy sessions can create a safe and supportive environment for social interaction. Participants can bond over a shared love of music, helping them form connections and gradually build social skills in a less intimidating setting.
Distraction and Coping Mechanism: Music can distract from anxious thoughts and be used as a coping mechanism in anxiety-provoking situations. Listening to calming music on headphones or techniques like deep breathing while playing an instrument can help individuals manage their anxiety in real time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Integration: Music therapy can be integrated with cognitive-behavioral techniques to challenge and reframe negative thought patterns associated with social anxiety. Lyrics, melodies, or songwriting exercises can be used to explore and address these thoughts.
Sensory Integration: Some individuals with social anxiety are susceptible to sensory stimuli. Music therapy can help them develop sensory integration skills, enabling them to manage sensory overload in social environments better.
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