![]() Some psychologists also recommend other types of therapies such as relaxation therapy, breathing techniques, and exposure therapy, where you imagine yourself in the situation that makes you anxious, and with the aid of relaxation techniques, learn to overcome your fear. Some health funds will partially cover the cost. Some studies have put the success rate as high as 90 per cent.ĬBT isn't generally covered by Medicare unless it's done by a psychiatrist or GP, though you may be eligible for a limited rebate if a GP refers you to a psychologist. After 12 weeks of CBT, half to two thirds of people show improvement their fear is down to manageable level. CBT is a way of changing your thinking about feared events so you approach them in more rational way so you're less anxious.įor example, rather than thinking: "I'll be so nervous, I'll make a compete fool of myself, they'll laugh at me", you're encouraged to think: "It's okay to be nervous, people expect it, and in fact they'll be supportive and sympathetic because they want to listen to what I have to say".ĬBT helps replace negative thought patterns with more realistic ones based on what is likely to happen rather than what you fear might happen.Ī course of therapy typically consists of 12 to 16 weekly sessions, each lasting 60 to 90 minutes, given by a psychologist, psychiatrist or a GP trained in the technique. The best treatment is a form of psychotherapy ('talking therapy') called cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). Unfortunately, most people with the condition don't seek treatment, or suffer from it for years before they do needlessly, because treatments are very effective. Now give yourself a rating for each statement from 0 to 4, where 0 is not at all, 1 is a little bit, 2 is somewhat, 3 is very much, and 4 is extremely.Ī total score of 6 or more means you could have a problem and you may benefit from talking about it with a health professional, the authors say. Being embarrassed or looking stupid is among my worst fears.I avoid activities in which I'm the centre of attention.Fear of embarrassment causes me to avoid doing things or speaking to people.The latest New England Journal of Medicine has a handy little test to tell whether it's serious and a lengthy explanation of the condition. ![]() How do you know if it's serious enough to see someone? Nearly everybody feels awkward in social situations at some time or other. ![]() It usually starts in the teen years, and someone with social phobia is more likely to have other psychiatric conditions like depression and alcohol dependence. Or perhaps it's due to abnormal responses in brain pathways that govern emotional responses. Or it could be partly due to the way a person is brought up someone with overprotective and very critical parents may be more likely to develop social phobia. It could be partly in the genes toddlers who are shy are more likely to get it as adults (though most shy children don't go on to get it). What causes it? Nobody knows for sure why one person suffers from it and another doesn't. So they don't do well at school, or at work, meet fewer people and are less likely to find a partner than other people. Fearing they will be embarrassed or humiliated, they don't turn up, or if they do, they don't get involved, for example, they sit up the back of the class hoping not to be noticed. People with social phobia will go to great lengths to avoid situations where other people are present not just social gatherings, but school classes and work meetings. They realise their fears are unfounded, but this doesn't stop the anxiety. About half of those who do get it will get it in any sort of social situation, and the other half only when it comes to specific situations: public speaking, a presentation or some other event when they're called on to perform. This condition is quite common about one person in ten gets it at some time or other. This is where shyness is pathological in social situations they experience intense anxiety, with symptoms like blushing, sweating, trembling, dizziness, heart palpitations and a dry mouth. In some people, shyness is bad enough to be given a name or two names in fact social phobia, also known as social anxiety disorder. (It's great to be confident, assured and not give a damn what others think but few people are really like this all the time.) Fear of social situations is common especially in people who tend to think negative thoughts about themselves and who worry what others think of them. ![]() If so, there are a lot of people like you. Does the thought of giving a speech at a wedding fill you with fear? How about an invitation to a cocktail party full of strangers? A presentation to the board of directors? ![]()
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |