Overcoming
Social Anxiety and Shyness - 6 Facts You Should Know
Overcoming social anxiety and shyness is often made far easier
when you learn as much as you can about the condition itself. To
help get you started, here are 6 facts about social anxiety.
1. Did you know that social anxiety is the most common of all
the various forms of anxiety disorder? Social anxiety disorder
affects more than 10 million Americans at any one time, putting
it ahead of generalized anxiety disorder, which ranks second.
2. It's now firmly accepted by most experts that social anxiety
is hereditary, and runs in families. There are also other
factors that can contribute to the developing of social anxiety
(environmental factors, upbringing, life experiences), but
heredity is by far the most common shared cause.
3. Social anxiety disorder is sometimes referred to by its other
name, social phobia. Social anxiety disorder and social phobia
are characterized by intense fear of being in social situations,
or even simply thinking about being in social situations. There
is also almost always a fear of being scrutinized or of some
form of negative evaluation.
4. Specific situations that are likely to produce the fear
reaction in people with social anxiety are: starting or
maintaining conversations with strangers, speaking in public,
taking part in meetings or group conversations, and dating.
5. Most people with social anxiety disorder are diagnosed in
their mid-teens. The condition, if not addressed early on,
typically worsens with age, and in some cases becomes a lifelong
condition.
6. When someone with social anxiety disorder experiences fear
because of their condition there are several common symptoms
they'll often experience: sweating, nausea, blushing,
palpitations, trembling. In some situations these symptoms may
progress to a full-blown panic attack.
One of the best things you can do for yourself if you suffer
from social anxiety disorder is to learn all you can about it.
Sometimes, this alone is enough to get you back on the path to
recovery. In fact, educating yourself on your conditions is one
of the most beneficial steps you can take to overcoming your
social anxiety and shyness in the quickest time possible.
About the author:
Since overcoming a lifelong battle with anxiety and panic
disorder in 2007, Alex Taylor now devotes his time to helping
others recover. He achieves this via his highly-acclaimed online
course, "Beat Panic Today." You can experience the same results
that many others have experienced by accessing the course right
now, free of charge, by going to Alex's website:
http://www.PreventYourPanic.com
