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About Anxiety Disorders
Social Phobia
“I was terrified of running into someone I knew and not knowing what to say. When it happened, my mind would freeze up, I’d have a hard time making eye contact, my body would feel clumsy. After such a meeting, I would agonize over the encounter for hours or days, obsessing over how I’d made a fool of myself, like, why did I say such a stupid thing.”
"Asking someone for a date was excruciating. I was so afraid a woman would find me unattractive or ridiculous or intrusive, that I froze when I tried to approach someone. I would get sick to my stomach, my palms would get clammy, and my neck would flush... Then I was certain everyone was aware what was happening, which made it even worse. It was too embarrassing, so for a long time, I avoided the whole thing and just didn’t date. The same thing would happen at parties, trying to talk to people. I couldn’t make small talk, so I’d avoid those kinds of settings.”
People with social phobia tend to overlook the social awkwardness of others, but exaggerate their own real and imagined faux pas. The physical giveaways of social embarrassment, such as clumsiness or blushing, may feel painfully embarrassing, and reinforce the perception that “everyone is staring at me.”
If you have social phobia, you may be fine, even outgoing, with people you feel close to. The social discomfort may only be a problem in specific situations, such as in a group, giving a presentation, dating, dealing with authority figures; or, more rarely, using a public restroom, eating in front of others, or writing with others watching.
Social phobia often runs in families. It often begins around early adolescence or even younger. It may be accompanied by depression or alcoholism.
Treatment
Many individuals with social phobia can be helped by cognitive-behavioral psychotherapy. Many other individuals respond best to psychotherapy plus medication. A therapist can help you learn to view social events differently; can help you acquire skills to overcome your fears of social situations; and can teach you anxiety management techniques, such as thought management and relaxation techniques. |
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Copyright 1999. Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D. All rights reserved. |
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Contact Dr. Barton: |
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Geraldine T. Barton, Ph.D. Phone: 845-338-3250 159 Green Street Email: drgmbarton@drgmbarton.com Kingston, NY 12401 |
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All information on this web site is intended for your general knowledge only and is not a substitute for medical, psychological or psychiatric advice or treatment for specific conditions. You should seek prompt care for any specific medical or mental health issues. |
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Clinical Psychologist |
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Geraldine Merola Barton, Ph.D. |