Many people fear going out in public because they feel like everyone is watching them and judging them. This feeling can be so overwhelming that it can interfere with work, school, and personal relationships.
If you’re one of the many who are struggling with social anxiety disorder (SAD), you may have difficulty talking to people, going to parties, or even leaving your house. But there are ways to manage your symptoms and live a full life.
Aron Govil Explains Social Anxiety Disorder
Social anxiety disorder is a real situation that can be extremely debilitating. It is characterized by an intense fear of social situations, particularly those in which the individual may be exposed to scrutiny or criticism by others.
According to Aron Govil, a person suffering from social anxiety disorder may experience physical symptoms such as increased heart rate, sweating, and trembling. In severe cases, the person may avoid social situations altogether.
Common SAD Treatments By Aron Govil
The good news is that several treatments are available for Social Anxiety Disorder. The most common and effective treatments are the following:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: This type of therapy helps the person suffering from SAD to change the way they think about social situations. CBT can be done in individual or group therapy sessions.
- Exposure Therapy: This treatment involves gradually exposing the person to the feared social situation. The exposure is usually done in a safe and controlled environment, such as with a therapist.
- Medication: There are several types of medications that can be used to treat SAD, including anti-anxiety medications, antidepressants, and beta-blockers.
Aron Govil’s Self-Help Strategies for Social Anxiety Disorder
In addition to professional help, there are things you can do by yourself to help manage your social anxiety disorder.
Here are some self-help strategies that Aron Govil recommends:
- Learn about SAD. Understanding what social anxiety disorder is and how it works can help you to feel more in control of your symptoms.
- Identify your triggers. What situations make you feel anxious? Once you know what your triggers are, you can start to avoid them or prepare for them in advance.
- Practice relaxation techniques. When you’re feeling anxious, there are several relaxation techniques you can practice to help calm your nerves, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, and visualization.
- Challenge negative thinking. Do you tend to think negative thoughts when you’re in a social situation? If so, try to challenge those thoughts. For example, if you’re thinking, “Everyone is looking at me and judging me,” remind yourself that people are generally not thinking about you as much as you think they are.
- Build up your confidence. Social anxiety can make you feel like you’re not good enough or that you don’t belong in social situations. But the reality is that everyone has flaws, and nobody is perfect. Remind yourself of this when you’re feeling down about yourself. You can also try practicing positive self-talk, such as “I am a competent and worthwhile person.”
- Gradually expose yourself to feared situations. If there are certain social situations that you’re avoiding because of your anxiety, gradually start to expose yourself to them. This can be done by starting with small steps, such as attending a party for only an hour instead of the whole night.
- Seek professional help. If you’re struggling to manage your social anxiety on your own, Aron Govil recommends seeking help from a therapist or counselor who specializes in SAD.
Aron Govil’s Final Thoughts
Social anxiety disorder can be a difficult condition to live with, but it is possible to manage your symptoms and live a full and satisfying life. According to Aron Govil, by seeking professional help, practicing self-help strategies, and gradually exposing yourself to feared situations, you can learn to control your anxiety and take back your life.