In today’s world, social anxiety is increasingly common. Many people living with social anxiety aren’t aware there are treatment programs to help them identify triggers and cope in social situations. A social anxiety treatment plan with a qualified therapist can help people overcome their social anxiety and thrive.
If you or someone in your life is struggling with social anxiety, contact our True Life Center team today. Our San Diego clinic helps people strengthen their mind-body connection and heal from addiction and co-occurring disorders in our social anxiety disorder treatment program. Learn more about ways to help you overcome social anxiety by calling us today at 866.420.1792 or completing our online contact form.
6 Ways to Help You Overcome Social Anxiety
1. Reduce Caffeine and Food Allergens
Caffeine and food sensitivities can put the body into a state of stress. Stimulants and allergens automatically trigger fight, flight, and freeze responses. This can make it difficult to know what’s a real threat and what isn’t.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness, meditation, and present moment awareness can slow the heart and promote a state of calm. Try mindfulness exercises before and during social situations.
3. Practice Public Speaking
If your anxiety is triggered by speaking to others, practice public speaking at home. Start with recording yourself, talking to family, or talking to pets. Gradually building towards social situations can promote a sense of safety and calm while easing pressure.
4. Maintain Proper Sleep Hygiene and Eat a Healthy Diet
Balanced nutrition and sufficient sleep can reduce stress and anxiety. Talk to a nutritionist or doctor about your essential nutrient needs and practice good sleep hygiene to rest well at night.
5. Get Outside
Studies show time in nature helps regulate the nervous system. Vitamin D and endorphins from exercise can also balance chemicals in the brain and reduce anxiety. Social obligations outdoors can be a great way to stay calm and feel safe, reducing anxiety.
6. Ask for Help
Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based way to reduce social anxiety. Asking a therapist for help can be one of the best steps towards reducing anxiety and understanding your needs or limits. A social anxiety treatment plan can help lower general levels of anxiety and help people feel supported.
What Are Symptoms of Social Anxiety?
Anxiety is a physical, mental, and emotional state during which the body enters fight, flight, or freeze mode. When a person experiences anxiety, their nervous system is in a state of dysregulation.
This can cause symptoms such as:
- Restlessness
- Physical and mental tension
- Fear of impending danger
- Increased heart rate
- Hyperventilation
- Excessive sweating
- Worry
- Trouble concentrating
Once anxiety is triggered, it can be difficult for the body to re-regulate into a safe state. When a person experiences social anxiety, their anxiety is triggered by social situations. Sometimes these situations are real, other times they are imagined. When a person imagines going to a party or out on a date, it can trigger their anxiety.
Other anxiety triggers include:
- Food allergies or sensitivities
- Financial stress
- Unhealed trauma
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Undiagnosed mental health disorders
- Prolonged stress
Social anxiety is increasingly common. For many, the added pressures of social media can enhance fear of failure and the need to succeed in social situations. This pressure can trigger anxiety as an unrealistic threat to their overall well-being.
Learn to Cope with Social Anxiety Treatment at True Life Center
Social anxiety is common and treatable. If you or someone in your life needs support, True Life Center can help. Our social anxiety treatment center supports mental health and addiction recovery in beautiful San Diego. Our patients experience neurological integration for successful recovery. With our programs, clients at True Life Center enjoy the calming, soothing environment they deserve for their recovery. To learn more about our trauma-informed programs and how we treat social anxiety, fill out our online form or call us today at 866.420.1792.