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Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD) is when someone feels extremely nervous or afraid in social situations. It’s more than just feeling shy. It’s a strong fear that others are judging or watching them. This fear can make it hard to be in social settings and can cause people to avoid situations like talking to others, going to gatherings, or even doing everyday tasks around others.
Synopsis
What is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety is a common condition that affects many people. It involves:
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Fear of being judged: People with social anxiety worry that others will criticize or laugh at them.
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Avoiding social situations: To avoid these feelings of fear, they might stay away from social activities or feel very stressed if they have to participate.
Types of Social Anxiety
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Mild: Some people may feel anxious but still go to social events.
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Moderate: Others might avoid some social situations but not all.
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Severe: In extreme cases, people may avoid almost all social situations, sometimes even experiencing panic attacks.
How is Social Anxiety Different from Shyness?
While being shy is something many people experience, social anxiety is much more serious. Here’s how they’re different:
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Severity: Social anxiety can be so intense that it affects relationships, school, or work.
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Frequency: Shyness might be temporary, but social anxiety is usually long-lasting.
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Impact: Social anxiety can prevent people from doing things they want to do because they’re too scared of being judged.
What Causes Social Anxiety?
There are a few things that can lead to social anxiety: Here are the major causes of social anxiety:
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Genetics: If someone in your family has social anxiety, you may be more likely to have it too.
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Brain function: Parts of the brain that handle fear and anxiety may work differently in people with social anxiety.
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Life experiences: Difficult or stressful situations, like bullying or being embarrassed in front of others, can cause social anxiety to develop.
Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety
If you have social anxiety, you might:
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Sweat, shake, or blush when talking to others.
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Have a fast heartbeat or feel dizzy in social settings.
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Avoid eye contact and social events.
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Worry a lot about being embarrassed or rejected.
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Struggle to speak in front of groups or meet new people.
Consult our psychiatrist in Baner, Pune if you experiencing the above symptoms of social anxiety.
Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment
The good news is that social anxiety can be treated, and getting help can really improve your life. Here are some common treatment options:
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Therapy: Talking to a therapist can help you manage your fears and teach you new ways to handle social situations. A type of therapy called Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is often used to treat social anxiety.
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Medication: Sometimes, doctors may prescribe medication, like antidepressants, to help reduce anxiety.
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Support groups: Meeting others who have social anxiety can help you feel understood and less alone.
Consult our psychiatric hospital in Baner Pune if you or your loved one needs social anxiety therapy.
Conclusion
If you're struggling with social anxiety, Manipal Hospital Baner, Pune, offers patient-centred care to help you find the right treatment. With expert therapists and medical professionals specializing in mental health, they provide personalized plans, including therapy, medication management, and support group recommendations.
Schedule a consultation with our expert psychiatrist in Pune for comprehensive diagnosis and treatment. At Manipal Hospital Baner, they are committed to guiding you through every step of the process so you can manage your anxiety and lead a fulfilling life. Reach out today to begin your journey towards better mental health.
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