Are you feeling self-conscious when faced with new people or a big crowd? When faced with new situations, new people and a new environment, it is but normal to feel nervous or agitated. However, it it is too much or unreasonable, you might be suffering from social phobia or in layman's term, stage fright. Here are is a treatment plan that can help you recover.
Social phobia is characterized by an intense feeling of shyness or nervousness that is hard to control and overcome. Having this intense feeling may hinder someone to talk, think and socialize properly. Often, it is accompanied by physiological symptoms such as increased heart rate, difficulty of breathing, trembling and sweating.
Yet, there is still hope to recover from this condition in order for patients to redeem their life especially their socialization skills. However, it is important to start with assessment. Assessment is an important means to cope with social phobia. This entails taking the patient's family, health, social and personal history and noting certain situations that may trigger an attack or bout of nervousness. Likewise, a family history of a mental health problem can also play a role in the emergence of social phobia.
Social phobia can be treated when it is planned with the family or support system of the patient. It is very important to let the patient and his significant others to be involved in the treatment. They can help decide which treatment plan may be acceptable based on their beliefs and norms.
Psychotherapy is the most effective way to treat this condition. This will aid in helping patients in being able to cope with situations they face that might trigger anxiety on their own before opting for medicines. Aside from being inexpensive, it encourages sense of independence among patients. Types of this therapy are cognitive behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, supportive therapy and counseling.
If all else will fail, psychologists will then opt for the use of medicines. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the drugs of choice for this condition. It is proven to reduce the symptoms brought about by anxiety and social phobia. Lastly, health education is very important for social phobia. Joining support groups can help alleviate the symptoms and will make patients recover from it.