Social phobia is a common phenomenon that ranges from a simple aversion to interacting with strangers to preventing an individual from socializing with people in any type of public setting. As one of the more common anxiety disorders, social phobia can be managed and eventually overcome with the aid of a strong support network, counseling, and sometimes medication.
Instructions
1. Assess the degree of social phobia that is present. If the individual is able to entertain guests in his or her home, work in an office with two or three other people, or otherwise participate in activities that involve a few people at a time, therapy may provide some aid in controlling the condition.
2. Contain anxiety attacks triggered by social phobia with the use of breathing or relaxation exercises. These types of exercises provide the individual with a focus that is directed away from the feelings of impending danger that often are a part of social phobia. As the sufferer exerts control over his or her breathing pattern, this sense of self-control makes it possible to ride out the panic and slowly restore a sense of balance.
3. Taking medication to manage the “fight or flight” rush that accompanies social phobia may also be helpful. Many anti-anxiety medications work by forcing the GABA neurotransmitters in the brain to work a little harder to compensate for the adrenaline rush that social phobia brings on, and restores a more balanced frame of mind.
4. Spend time in places that do not cause an outbreak of social anxiety in the sufferer. Start out with locations such as parks or cafes during off peak hours, where there are fewer people around. As those places begin to take on a sense of being “safe”, extend the length of time spent there to staying for a few more minutes each time. This will slowly help to rebuild confidence and set the stage for beginning to interact with more people on a regular basis.
5. Go places with a trusted friend or relative who is sympathetic to the condition. Having someone along to dine with in that relatively un-crowded restaurant helps to maintain some social interaction, plus provides a safety net in case the situation begins to be overpowering.
6. Seek counseling. Social phobia is a recognized mental health condition that can be treated with such methods as cognitive behavior therapy and various other behavior modification methods. As a bonus, the counselor can be invaluable if the root cause of the social phobia is associated with some past trauma.
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