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With social phobia, thoughts and fears about what others think get exaggerated in someone’s mind. The person starts to focus on the embarrassing things that could happen, instead of the good things. This makes a situation seem much worse than it is, and influences a person to avoid it.
What do you say to someone with social anxiety?
Remind them that while they may feel distressed, the feeling will pass. Work with the irrational thoughts and acknowledge that the person is worried. For example, try something like: “I can understand why you feel that way, but I can assure you that it’s just your anxiety. It isn’t real.”
“While it may take on a different form than it does for introverts, extroverts can certainly have social anxiety,” says Logan. “Extroverts tend to be people pleasers, so an extrovert may feel anxiety over what people think about them or how they are perceived by others.”
What are the signs and symptoms of social anxiety?
Excessive self-consciousness and anxiety in everyday social situations
The diagnostic criteria for social anxiety disorder, as outlined in the DSM-5, includes: Marked fear or anxiety about one or more social situations in which the individual is exposed to possible scrutiny by others lasting for 6 months or more. Fear of acting in a way that will reveal anxiety symptoms that will be negatively evaluated by others. The social situations almost always cause fear and anxiety.
What is the best drug for social anxiety?
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Tune in to your breath. Hear the air entering your nose.