SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER TREATMENT IN SAN DIEGO
If you find yourself experiencing intense feelings of fear, anxiety or self-consciousness in social situations, you’re not alone. These are the symptoms of social anxiety disorder, a common mental health condition that can significantly impact your ability to engage with the world around you. At Achieve Concierge, we understand how social anxiety disorder can negatively affect your overall well-being and make it challenging to live a happy, fulfilling life.
Fortunately, the symptoms of social anxiety disorder can be managed. With the right support, you can develop new skills, tools and strategies for increasing your confidence around others. Our experienced team is here to provide you with the personalized care you need to overcome your symptoms and learn how to navigate social situations with greater ease.
WHAT IS SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?
Social anxiety disorder, also known as social phobia, is a fairly common mental health condition characterized by intense fear and anxiety in social situations. People with social anxiety disorder experience persistent and excessive feelings of self-consciousness, often worrying about being judged, embarrassed or humiliated by others. This fear can be so overwhelming that it leads to avoiding social situations altogether.
Other symptoms of social anxiety disorder include:
- Intense worry before, during and after social situations
- Avoiding social situations whenever possible
- Self-consciousness and fear of being criticized or judged
- Concern that others will notice you’re nervous
- Drinking or drug use to help cope with social situations
- Physical discomfort in social situations
Individuals with social anxiety disorder also have trouble meeting or talking to new people. They may avoid all social situations, including work, school, job interviews, dating or even talking on the phone. These symptoms can make it challenging to function normally, maintain healthy relationships, pursue career opportunities and engage in everyday activities.
WHAT CAUSES SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?
The exact causes of social anxiety disorder are not fully understood. Like most mental health conditions, it is thought to result from a combination of genetic, biological and environmental influences. If a family member has social phobia, you’re at greater risk of having it, too. Other factors also increase the risk of developing social anxiety disorder, such as:
- Family history
- Negative experiences
- Being bullied or teased
- Learned behavior
- New work or social demands
- Temperament
- Having attributes that draw attention
Social anxiety disorder is a multifaceted condition, and each individual’s experience is unique. Seeking professional help is the first step in understanding and effectively managing the symptoms of social anxiety. With the proper treatment, individuals can learn to navigate social situations with increased confidence and lead a more fulfilling life.
SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER IS MORE THAN SHYNESS
Social anxiety disorder is often misunderstood and mistakenly equated with shyness. However, shyness is a common personality trait that doesn’t need treatment, even though it may cause some discomfort in social situations. In contrast, social anxiety disorder is a distinct and diagnosable mental health condition that can worsen over time.
Unlike shyness, social anxiety disorder involves an intense and persistent fear of being judged, embarrassed or humiliated when interacting with others. While shyness is often situational, the anxiety experienced by individuals with social anxiety disorder can be all-encompassing and overwhelming, affecting various aspects of their lives.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I HAVE SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER?
Many of us feel uncertain or self-conscious in social situations from time to time. However, determining whether you have social anxiety disorder is best done through a professional assessment with a qualified mental health provider. They will ask about your symptoms, family history and other possible health conditions to rule out underlying causes for your social anxiety. They will also use criteria from the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM-5) to help make a diagnosis, such as:
- Intense fear of one or more social situations
- Social anxiety that has lasted for 6 months or more
- Social situations almost always provoke anxiety
- Fear of social situations disrupts your daily life
- Symptoms aren’t attributed to another medical condition
If you suspect that you may have social anxiety disorder, schedule a consultation with the mental health professionals at Achieve Concierge. Our highly experienced clinicians and therapists can conduct a comprehensive evaluation to assess your symptoms and provide an accurate diagnosis. Then, we can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you manage your anxiety and improve your overall mental, emotional and social well-being.
PERSONALIZED SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER TREATMENT AT ACHIEVE CONCIERGE
At Achieve Concierge, we specialize in providing comprehensive and personalized treatment for social anxiety disorder. Our team of mental health experts is dedicated to helping individuals overcome social anxiety and lead fulfilling lives. We utilize a variety of holistic and evidence-based techniques to help individuals manage their symptoms, such as:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Guided mindfulness
- Solution-focused therapy
- Group therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Medication
- Lifestyle changes
Our concierge mental health services provide a unique and personalized approach to treating social anxiety disorder, ensuring that you receive highly individualized care that caters to your unique needs, preferences and goals. With flexible scheduling options, extended appointment times and virtual consultations, concierge treatment offers enhanced accessibility, allowing you to receive the support you need at your convenience. We aim to help you overcome your social anxiety with thoughtfully designed solutions that work for you.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION AT ACHIEVE CONCIERGE
Don’t let social anxiety hold you back in life. Take the first toward managing your symptoms and improving your overall well-being. At Achieve Concierge, our experienced and compassionate mental health providers can create a personalized treatment plan to help you develop the tools, skills and knowledge to increase your confidence in social situations.
If you’re ready to overcome social anxiety disorder and gain control of your fears, complete our online contact form or call us at 619-393-5975 to schedule a consultation. Our clinical team is here to answer any questions you might have, provide guidance on the next steps and help you find a clear pathway for managing the symptoms of social anxiety.