→ Previous: Social anxiety treatment options→ This is the last article in the seriesHere’s how I think about medications vs. cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).Maybe in time humans will come up with the perfect treatment for social anxiety i.e. one that works for all individuals all of the time. But at this point, that does not exist….
→ Previous: How can I desensitize?→ Next: Medications vs. CBTAnxiety management techniques vs. a treatment programIf you have social anxiety, you’ve probably heard people say “do deep breathing” or do progressive muscle relaxation. These are helpful anxiety management techniques, but they are not a comprehensive treatment program. To overcome social anxiety, you need more than…
→ Previous: How can I reduce my fear?→ Next: Treatment optionsWhen you have social anxiety, the primitive fear center in your brain (the amygdala) is setting off false alarms. The amygdala thinks a situation is dangerous when it is not dangerous. To change this, you need to desensitize your amygdala. You can do this through…
→ Previous: Severe vs. normal symptoms→ Next: How can I desensitize?Overcoming social anxiety boils down to three things. 1. You gotta really want it! You have two voices. One voice focuses on the fear. The other voice focuses on wanting more freedom and a higher quality of life. The second voice says “I want this now.”…
→ Previous: Why is my body doing this?→ Next: How can I reduce my fear?Think of social anxiety on a continuum of 0 to 100. Where 0 = no anxiety and 100 = worst anxiety you can imagine. Here are a few important points: check No one is at a zero in every social situation. (Even…
→ Previous: Symptoms list→ Next: Severe vs. normal symptomsQuestion”Why is it when I’m in a new situation my body reacts by getting shaky and I feel on edge and physically sick, yet in my brain I know it’s not a big deal? Like the other day I was going to an acquaintance’s business to talk…
→ Previous: 9 factors→ Next: Why is my body doing this?Every individual is unique and may have different symptoms (or combinations of symptoms). Here are some typical social anxiety symptoms: check Feeling awkward check Self-focused awareness (focusing on how you’re performing vs. other person) check Mind going blank and difficulty concentrating check Freezing (“deer in…
→ Previous: Overview→ Next: 9 FactorsSocial anxiety is typically caused by a combination of predisposing factors + a life stressor. Some of the pre-disposing factors could be: check Heredity (anxiety in your family) or other biological/medical causes check You were bullied check Your parents or authority figures communicate an overly cautious view of the world check…
This is a multi-part series explaining how to overcome social anxiety.→ This is the first article in the series→ Next: What causes social anxiety?At the core of your social anxiety is a fear that you will be judged negatively by others. The more you fear negative judgment, the more intense your symptoms and the more…
What is self hypnosis for stress and anxiety relief?Self hypnosis for stress and anxiety relief is where you drift into a relaxed state-of-mind, and where you make your mind highly responsive to your imagination, thereby changing your behavior. (Check out the audio example below.) Hypnosis is based on the fact that you’re most receptive to new ideas and…
Are you looking for an anxiety service dog? And a reputable trainer? This article will show you how to find he right trainer and the right dog for you.Anxiety service dog quality standardsThe best place to start is with Assistance Dogs International (ADI). ADI evaluates trainers worldwide, and makes sure that trainers meet high quality standards in these…
Many people with panic disorder and agoraphobia experience a great deal of relief and comfort just from knowing what’s happening.
How do you manage anxiety attacks? These steps were developed by Dr. Manuel Zane in his Six Points of Contextual Therapy For Phobia. These steps are most effective when you work with a professional who can explain these in greater detail and guide you through the steps (professionals such as Anxiety Clinics or Anxiety Coach). The Six Points have…
What is exposure therapy? It’s based on the Law of Habituation that says: The more you do something, the less you fear it.What is exposure therapy? Careful and gradual exposureCareful and gradual exposure to a fearful situation works like a vaccination. A vaccine exposes your immune system to a virus in a small dose so your body…
Here are ten tips on overcoming depression. Let us know which ones work best for you, or if you have others to add. 1. Stay in the present and do manageable tasks. (Focusing on the past keeps you in a state of guilt. Focusing on the future keeps you in a state of worry.) 2. Identify things…
There are two types of panic attacks: (1) unexpected panic attacks, and (2) expected panic attacks. These are the differences between the two types of panic attacks:Type 1: Unexpected panic attacksThe first type of panic attack is called an unexpected panic attack. This can happen at any time and any place. It seems to come “out of…
Do you have generalized anxiety disorder? Take the generalized anxiety disorder test to find out.
Do you have agoraphobia? Find out with this agoraphobia test.
Take this public speaking anxiety test to see if you have a public speaking phobia.
Not only does your phobia interfere with your life but it affects everyone around you.
Coping with panic attacks tip: Fear doesn’t last long. Wait and give fear time to pass.
What should you tell your friends and family about your anxiety? Here is a draft letter to get you started.
See anxiety symptoms explained in this course and books. RedditQuestion Do you have a really good readings on anxiety symptoms? I live in EU so it should be something available worldwide. When you say do you have a good readings on anxiety symptoms? Do you mean do I have any good books to recommend on…
Nice thing about a webinar, you can conduct a poll and get audience interaction and feedback.
One of the best places to hear great presentations is TED.com. You may want to check out Garr Reynolds.
The truth is, most situations aren’t as competitive or hostile as you might think.
In addition to books, there are training options like Coursera, EdX, Lynda.com and SpeakMeister.com.
Propranolol and beta-blockers can be very helpful for public speaking anxiety.
To show that you heard and understood what someone just said, repeat (like a parrot) exactly what the other person said.
Prove to your brain every day that little mistakes and imperfections don’t matter.
We’re always deeply touched and rooting for the person who has had to overcome difficult obstacles to achieve their goals.
Learn the fear management techniques and to apply the techniques in a safe environment.
Do these subtle relaxation exercises as you’re waiting your turn to speak.
Great job! You developed a passion that took your focus off the fear and you desensitized your fear with repetition.
I have seen huge improvements with people when they practice public speaking, they become much more confident in a whole variety of social situations.
Here are some of the most common “thought patterns” that cause anxiety and nervousness. I’ve also included some possible counter-thoughts you can use.
The law of habituation says the more you do something, the less you fear it. That works as long as you’re not scaring yourself with fearful thoughts.
(1) Stressors, (2) pre-disposing factors, (3) fearful thoughts and (4) your nervous system gets conditioned to trigger a fear response in a specific situation.
What’s the difference between a psychologist and psychiatrist? Which professional should I use?
Here are the best websites to find help for anxiety.
The fear of public speaking is a type of social anxiety.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder is excessive anxiety and worry occurring more days than not for a period of at least six months
Take a social anxiety test. Find out whether you have social anxiety and the severity level.
A persistent failure to speak in specific social situations where speaking is expected, despite speaking in other situations.
Separation anxiety is excessive anxiety concerning separation from the home or from those to whom the person is attached.
A panic attack is a period of intense fear or discomfort that’s accompanied by at least four of the following symptoms.
Social anxiety is a condition where you become very anxious when under scrutiny by others while performing a social task.
How to overcome anxiety using gradual exposure.
Mistaken beliefs that cause or maintain anxiety.
Agoraphobia is an extreme fear of being in public places or open spaces from which escape may be difficult or embarrassing. The fearful situations are avoided or endured with dread and distress.It’s characterized by anxiety in 2 or more of the following 5 situations: Public transportation Being in open spaces Being in enclosed spaces Standing…
An app that helps you improve your mood.
David Barlow and Michelle Craske are renowned experts in Agoraphobia and Panic.
If you’re looking for online anxiety help, these are some of the best options.
Why group therapy is so important for overcoming public speaking fear or social anxiety.
People who know what they’re talking aboutRichard Heimberg, Debra Hope, and Cynthia Turk are renowned experts in Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). They developed a proven step-by-step program to overcome SAD at their clinics. Check out this blog for a list of the clinics. Managing Social Anxiety is a self-help workbook that is best used in consultation with a therapist or anxiety…
Michelle Craske and David Barlow are renowned experts in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD).
These are reputable anxiety treatment centers in the US. They’re run by internationally renowned doctors and researchers in the field of anxiety. Many of these doctors “wrote the book” on evidence-based treatments for anxiety. If you don’t find a treatment center near you, look for a reputable university near you and see if they have an…
Anxiety DefinitionWhat does anxiety mean? The easiest way to think about it: Emotion happens in the body. Anxiety is a bodily reaction in response to a perceived threat that causes bodily symptoms such as sweating, rapid heart rate, muscle tension, dry mouth, tight chest, difficulty concentrating, restlessness, trembling, “deer in the headlights” stare or paralysis, weakness, dizziness,…
What is the best public speaking and social anxiety medication? For public speaking, a combination of a benzo and beta blocker (e.g. Alprazolam and Propanolol).
