Paul Douglass MIAPH - Social Phobia / Social Anxiety - Highgate, North London and North Cambridgeshire
The problem of social phobia (social anxiety, or social anxiety disorder) is one of the most common phobias around.
The Fear of Being Judged
Social phobia revolves around a fear of how others might see you, what they think of you, and feeling that whatever you're doing is getting noticed
(the fear of being judged).
The symptoms of social phobia (social anxiety)
- dry mouth
- blushing
- feeling sick
/ nausea
- shaking
- feeling weak
- shy bladder (not able to use public toilets)
- diarrhoea
- stuttering and stammering
- excessive sweating
- heart palpitations
...Ultimately, it can cause a full-blown anxiety attack or panic attack. Social anxiety also shares many similar symptoms with general anxiety,
The Fear of Social situations
One of the most common effects of social phobia / social anxiety is feeling uncomfortable in social and public situations.
Situations such as nights out, going shopping, meeting new people, going to work, or parties can be affected. The sufferer may also be uncomfortable or unable to use public toilets (shy bladder).
Low Self Confidence and Self Esteem
Many people with social phobia / social anxiety will often also feel that their self esteem and self esteem is low, often feeling incapable of holding eye contact.
Social phobia may also manifest itself as the avoidance of situations involving confrontations with colleagues, especially when involving figures of authority, such as supervisors and managers.
Alcohol Use and Social Phobia
Many socially phobic people feel that they need to have a drink before going to a social event, to "loosen up a bit". They find that this can help them relax enough to release those social inhibitions.
Over time, this social phobic condition may go on to develop into depressive illnesses, or in some cases agoraphobia.
Fear of Public Speaking / Stage Fright / Performance-Related Fear
It's interesting to note, that fear of public speaking (or stage fright) is also a form of social phobia, and yet the people concerned may otherwise lead perfectly normal lives, with no problems or anxiety at all over socialising, or eating in front of others, etc.
Yet, when the person in question has to stand in front of others, then the social anxiety can come out full force.
Actors, singers, sales people, musicians, teachers, etc, can all suffer from "stage fright", as well as people giving presentations, talks or wedding speeches.
How Hypnotherapy Can Help With Social Phobia
One particular form of hypnotherapy can have incredible results with social phobia. The particular form of hypnotherapy is called 'Pure' Hypnoanalysis...
Visit the main Avon Hypnotherapy website to read more about 'Pure' Hypnoanalysis...
