| Mental Health and Social Anxiety Disorder |
| Written by John Potter | |
Stress and anxiety are often part of social situations. Presenting a speech in front of a room full or executives, wedding day jitters, meeting the future in-laws for the first time, job interviews, and more cause people to get clammy hands, have increased heart-rate, get a stomach ache, and a number of other symptoms. However, for some individuals, stress in social situations makes it impossible to accomplish even the simplest of tasks in public. They face the challenge of mental health and social anxiety disorder.
The DefinitionFor some individuals or their loved ones, determining social anxiety disorder is difficult. Is the person simply very shy? Has a life-changing event recently occurred to cause someone to become a recluse? What is the difference between a justifiable need to stay home and heal and a mental illness? People generally avoid the following fearful social situations:
Of course, it is quite normal not to enjoy being in a room full of unknown people or suddenly being thrust into the spotlight. But, it becomes a mental disorder when a person cannot tolerate a stressful situation, and starts avoiding life to prevent the possibility of an uncomfortable circumstance. A fine line exists between mental health and a mental disorder. Half of the battle for mental health is recognizing a problem and seeking help. Recognizing the ProblemWhile friends and family often recognize social phobia, the individual is not necessarily easily convinced. No one wants to admit slipping over that line. But, when the mental challenge adversely affects the ability to keep a job, have healthy relationships, and enjoy social activities, it is time to review the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, and consider the possibility of a mental health disorder. The Mayo Clinic composed the following list of physical symptoms of social phobia:
Of course, most people have periods when attitudes are at an all-time low and the symptoms are present. It does not necessarily mean that mental health is under attack. However, if the problems last for an extended period of time and quality of life are sacrificed, the time has come to get some professional help. Reasons WhyUnfortunately, doctors are still researching the reasons why one person adjusts to anxious situations and another crosses the line to a phobia. Definite answers are not available. But, educated guesses include: genes, biochemistry, and overactive amygdala. Other influences may include:
The world will not conform to someone with a social phobia. In order to retain employment, it is absolutely necessary to be prepared for uncomfortable situations. So, part of the treatment is often desensitization. Patients are exposed to the very circumstances that cause overwhelming anxiety. But, coping skills are taught and implemented, so when challenges arise, it does not send the individual running for cover. Remember, a fine line separates social anxiety disorder from mental health. An individual is not crazy, because social situations cause intense adverse reactions. The reasons are not necessarily clear. But, having an uncontrollable fear of public experiences can quickly ruin quality of life, and make it impossible to enjoy those simple activities that most individuals take for granted. In most cases, the combination of medication and cognitive therapy will bring patients back across that invisible line to mental health. |
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