Social Anxiety Treatment
in Sacramento, CA

Many people occasionally feel anxious in social settings. These emotions can be triggered by different circumstances, affecting individuals uniquely. Social anxiety, also known as social phobia, is particularly prevalent. It involves an intense fear of being scrutinized or judged by others during social interactions.

It’s estimated that about 12.1% of U.S. adults will face social anxiety at some point in their lives, with approximately 7.1% experiencing symptoms annually. Persistent social anxiety can interfere significantly with work, academic performance, relationships, and daily tasks.

Fortunately, social anxiety is treatable with the right approach. At Sacramento Mental Health, we provide personalized psychiatric and psychotherapeutic treatments designed to help individuals manage and overcome their social anxiety.

About Social Anxiety

Like many mental health issues, social anxiety is a chronic condition that can impede daily functioning if left unaddressed. It’s normal to feel shy or nervous occasionally, as everyone has their own comfort levels in different scenarios.

Signs of social anxiety disorder often manifest as an avoidance of social interactions. Typically, social anxiety disorders begin during adolescence, but they can develop in adults and children as well. The symptoms of social anxiety are diverse, including emotional, behavioral, and physical symptoms, along with tendencies to avoid social settings.

Symptoms

Symptoms of social anxiety include emotional and behavioral symptoms, physical symptoms, and avoidance symptoms.

Emotional and behavioral symptoms may include:

Fear or worry about being humiliated, judged, or embarrassing oneself
Dread of social rejection or engaging with others
Anxiety while anticipating social activities or events
Overthinking one’s performance in social interactions
Expecting unfavorable outcomes from social situations

Experiencing moments where the mind goes blank inopportunely
Low self-esteem and persistent negative self-talk
Sensitivity to criticism, difficulty being assertive
Substance use as a coping mechanism

Physical symptoms may include:

Increased heart rate
Trembling and/or muscle tension
Sweating

Lightheadedness
Trouble catching breath
Upset stomach or nausea

Avoidance symptoms may include:

Avoiding strangers and new people
Avoiding social gatherings and settings
Avoiding work or school
Avoiding eye contact

Avoiding dating
Avoiding situations of conflict

Social anxiety symptoms can change over time. Many people with social anxiety avoid social situations, but this can worsen anxiety over time.

Causes and Risk Factors

Understanding the origins of social anxiety can be challenging due to its multifaceted nature. Various life events might contribute to its development, and some individuals may be inherently more susceptible.

Potential causes and risk factors include:

Genetic Influences: While it’s not certain that specific genes directly cause social anxiety, family dynamics can play a significant role in shaping behaviors and thought patterns that foster social anxiety.
Neurological Factors: The brain’s response to stress can be unique to each individual, potentially leading to an overproduction of stress hormones and an enhanced anxiety response.
Environmental Factors: Exposure to negative or embarrassing situations through one’s immediate surroundings, such as family, friends, educational settings, or the workplace, can exacerbate feelings of anxiety.
Past Experiences: Experiences of rejection, ridicule, bullying, or humiliation can heighten a person’s sensitivity to social interactions, making them more prone to social anxiety.
Excessive Attention: Receiving too much attention, both online and offline, can create undue pressure and prompt withdrawal. This is particularly common in individuals who have other noticeable conditions or characteristics.

Treating Social Anxiety

Treatment for social anxiety often involves a blend of psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments.

Psychotherapy: Techniques such as exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are common. CBT includes cognitive restructuring to alter negative thought patterns, exposure therapy to gradually face fears, and social skills training to improve interactions. The aim is to reshape how you perceive and react to social situations, equipping you with effective coping mechanisms.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): This therapy emphasizes mindfulness and goal-setting to help manage anxiety by accepting thoughts without judgment and committing to behavioral changes.
Medications: Options may include antidepressants (SSRIs or SNRIs) which are typically the first choice for persistent social anxiety, beta-blockers that target physical anxiety symptoms, and benzodiazepines, which are used for quick relief but are recommended for short-term use due to their potential for dependency.
Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in activities that boost endorphins, practicing meditation, modifying diet, reducing caffeine and substance use, improving sleep quality, and increasing social interactions can all contribute to managing social anxiety. These changes aim to support overall mental and physical well-being, as both aspects are interconnected in the context of social anxiety.Remember, social anxiety generally does not resolve on its own. If you or someone you know is struggling with this condition, it’s important to seek professional guidance or discuss treatment options with a healthcare provider.

How We Can Help

Sacramento Mental Health provides comprehensive treatment options for individuals dealing with social anxiety. Our experienced clinicians develop personalized treatment plans that may include psychotherapy, medication, and guidance on lifestyle modifications that enhance social well-being. Get in touch with us today to learn more about our programs.

Social Anxiety Treatment in Sacramento, CA