Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition in which social interactions cause irrational anxiety. It is more common than you might think. An estimated 12.1% of U.S. adults experience a social anxiety disorder at some time in their lives.
Situations that might cause social anxiety in individuals include:
Conversing with strangers
Entering a room full of people
Making eye contact during conversations
Attending parties or social gatherings
Dating
Starting conversations
Going to work or school
Eating in front of others
Using a public restroom
The causes of social anxiety disorder vary among biological to environmental factors such as inherited traits, brain structure and previous unpleasant social situations.
Support groups are safe spaces structured to allow participants to share personal experiences, feelings, coping strategies and information about symptoms and treatments. The discussions often are facilitated by an experienced leader or a medical professional.
People who experience social anxiety often feel alone and hard to find people who relate to them. Support groups can allow us to make connections and normalize feelings of nervousness around social situations and start a journey to better emotional management.
Benefits of participating in support groups can include:
Reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation and stigma
Getting practical advice or information about treatment options
Reducing distress, depression, anxiety or fatigue resulted from Social Anxiety Disorder
Talking openly and honestly about your feelings
Gaining a sense of empowerment, control or hope
Learning about health, economic or social resources
Benefits of online support groups can include:
Faster time to get help, skipping appointment wait time
More frequent or flexible participation
A cost effective way to see a licensed mental health professional
A degree of privacy or anonymity comparing to local community support groups
Opportunities for people in areas with no face-to-face support groups
You are not alone. Herd is ready to support you.