Social Anxiety: Can Therapy Help?
What is social anxiety?
The experience of social anxiety is something many are navigating these days following months of quarantine and the introduction of relaxed COVID-19 precautions.
But what exactly is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is when you experience fear, anxious feelings, and physical symptoms of anxiety directly related to anticipation of or participation in social events and interactions.
We support people like you in examining your experience of social anxiety so that you can heal more fully. Our therapists can support help you get the most out of therapy by viewing mind, body, and spirit as parts of a greater whole. You can book a free phone consultation right here.
What are the symptoms of social anxiety?
While social anxiety may show up differently for each individual, here are a few common symptoms that may signal you’re experiencing social anxiety:
Feelings of fear or anxiety before a social interaction or outing.
A noticeable change in breathing patterns (i.e. heavier or fast breathing patterns or even shortness of breath).
Sweating, trembling, and/or shaky voice when speaking.
Overthinking or overanalyzing what you said or did following a social interaction.
The sensation that your heart could beat out of your chest.
Avoidance of social interactions out of fear you won’t be able to mentally or physically handle it.
Consistent isolation from friends, family, and acquaintances.
By the way, if you are located in California and are interested in holistic therapy, contact our Los Angeles psychotherapists for a free consultation. We’d be happy to explain what holistic psychotherapy could look like for you and how we can support you if you are experiencing social anxiety on any level.
Can holistic therapy help with social anxiety?
Yes! But that being said, it’s important to note that there’s not a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. And the same is true in supporting our clients who want to manage and heal symptoms of social anxiety.
With our holistic psychotherapy clients, we bring consciousness and healing to all parts of our clients. We examine these parts, their interactions, and how we can take an integrative approach to healing and mental health.
How can I manage the experience of social anxiety?
Social anxiety can be hard to live with, but there are ways you can manage the experience.
The following things can be effective ways to cope with social anxiety or anxiety in general:
Avoid Drinking as a Crutch. Avoid using things like alcohol to ease anxiety before social events.
Prepare Talking Points. Consider a few topics, stories, or current events you can use to start a conversation.
See a therapist. Therapy is one of the best ways to manage and understand your anxiety.
Exercise. Take a walk at lunch, attend a yoga class, jog on the treadmill... as long as you're moving your body, you're releasing tension and getting a rush of feel-good hormones.
Talk to someone. Processing your thoughts with a loved one can help clear your mind and relieve stress.
Meditate. Carve time out in your day to sit and breathe. Deep breathing and meditation are strongly linked to decreasing anxiety.
Sleep. It can be tough, but try to get enough sleep. Reducing your caffeine intake or meditating before bed will help you fall asleep.
Eat well. Healthy and nutritious meals help balance hormones and steady your energy levels, which improve your mood.
All of these things help relieve anxiety and improve your ability to participate more fully and comfortably in social situations. Although these things may not eliminate social anxiety, they may help ease it so you can cope with day-to-day life and social situations with more ease.
Consult with a holistic therapist in Los Angeles
Our Highland Park therapists are here to help and support you if you’re experiencing social anxiety. At Highland Park Holistic Psychotherapy, we offer an integrative approach to therapy that touches on all aspects of a person: psychological, spiritual, and physical.
If you’re in Los Angeles, or a resident of California, and are interested in holistic psychotherapy, contact us to schedule a complimentary phone consultation today. We would be honored to walk alongside you on your healing journey.