​Social anxiety is something that all of us have experienced at one point in life. It is the feeling of being uncomfortable or nervous in a social situation. 
However, when the nervousness becomes severe in intensity or occurs too frequently, it can affect your ability to interact with others and it can influence your social behavior negatively. Social anxiety can also create an adverse impact on your self-esteem and self-confidence. 
Hence, it is important to be aware of what social anxiety means and why it occurs so that you can take appropriate steps to avoid it. 

Patients who suffer from social anxiety often prefer to avoid any social events. Things usually considered “normal” by others such as making eye contact and small talk make them uncomfortable. They also tend to flush or feel physically anxious in the presence of others, especially strangers or people they feel intimidated by.
Some other symptoms of social anxiety include:

• Rapid heartbeat
• Trembling of hands
• Increased sweating
• Shaky voice
• Dizziness
• Muscle tension
• Inability to your catch breath
• Stomach upset

​Each person with social anxiety experiences difficulties in interacting with others, but in different ways.
Here are some common situations in which you may have trouble:

• Speaking at public events
• Talking to strangers
• Going to parties
• Starting conversations
• Entering a room, especially when a number of people are already present
• Dating
• Going to school or work
• Making eye contact while talking
• Eating in front of other people

Not all of these situations cause discomfort in patients with social anxiety. For example; some people may be able to give a speech with confidence but going to a party seems like a nightmare to them. [1]
The symptoms and characteristics each patient experiences varies depending on their past experiences - both pleasant and unpleasant. [2]
For example, if they have bitter memories of how they were bullied at school, they may fear facing similar situations while at the workplace. This may lead to social anxiety that becomes worse while in meetings or giving a presentation.
On the other hand, if they have received praise for their talent and capabilities to make a presentation, they may not develop anxiety at the workplace. 

In most cases, the socially anxious people have reasons, usually an unpleasant event they have experienced, for dreading certain situations. [3]
However, in general, it is the overwhelming fear and anxiety of:

• Being humiliated and embarrassed
• Being judged by others
• Being the center of attention
  
• Offending someone accidentally

Social anxiety can compel you to avoid situations that people usually consider “normal”. This can prevent you from enjoying your life and create a sense of hopelessness.
Avoiding most or all social situations may even affect your personal relationships. Over a period of time, it can also lead to:

• Poor social skills
• Low self-esteem
• Increased sensitivity to criticism
• Depression

Hence, it is important to seek proper treatment in order to avoid the impact of social anxiety on your life. [4]

​In Conclusion, It is possible to control the symptoms of social anxiety by seeking appropriate treatment including counseling and behavioral therapy. The use of medications may be recommended in severe cases of social anxiety to help a person feel at ease.

References:

1. https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder#1
2. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/social-anxiety-disorder-more-than-just-shyness/index.shtml
3. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/social-anxiety-disorder
4. https://www.webmd.com/anxiety-panic/guide/mental-health-social-anxiety-disorder#2

​

For a person battling mental health issues, it can be difficult to talk to a psychiatrist in spite of knowing they can help  overcome stressful situations.

You may develop anxiety before meeting a psychiatrist and feel confused or unclear about what exactly you should discuss. You may also feel wary of discussing your personal life or any unpleasant events related to your past or present. As an anxiety doctor in Houston, I know that your hesitation or anxiety may create a kind of barrier between you and your psychiatrist thus taking it longer for you to recover. It will surely help to know some tips on how to talk to your psychiatrist so that you can receive the best treatment.

If you are planning to visit a psychiatrist or are already seeking treatment for mental health issues, read on to know the right way to discuss your concerns with your doctor.
​

• Prepare for the appointment

Before each appointment, prepare in advance the points you want to discuss. You can write down how you feel, the times you felt good or bad, and the possible factors or situations that increased your symptoms. [1]
This would help your psychiatrist offer effective suggestions to help you overcome your symptoms.

• Take your time

If you suffer from anxiety, you may not be quick to open up, especially during the first few visits. It's best to give yourself time to feel at ease while talking to your psychiatrist. [2]
You need not rush into discussing all that you feel. 

• Avoid hesitation

​You may feel nervous about discussing your personal life with your psychiatrist. The hesitation may lead you to hide some facts that could be crucial for your treatment. Remember that the events or experiences that hurt you the most could be responsible for your mental health issues. Hence, it is advisable to discuss your symptoms as well as past experiences with the psychiatrist to help him/her offer appropriate advice. [3]
However, if you feel any particular experience is too uncomfortable for you to share, you may avoid discussing it during the first visit. Over the next visits to the doctor, as you gain more confidence and start feeling comfortable, you can share the more painful experiences.

• Have an open mind

While discussing your concerns, be open to feedback and ideas that may be different from what you previously thought. Take your time to develop a bond so that you feel comfortable with the doctor. This will ensure you can discuss your concerns with an open mind and in a clear manner.

Conclusion

Your psychiatrist can provide you the strong bridge to cross from your current state of mental health to a happier state. You can follow the tips discussed above while talking to your psychiatrist. This will allow them to understand your concerns in a better way. It will also allow them to offer the best treatment to help you overcome your mental health issues more effectively.

If you are looking for a Texas Online Psychiatrist or a Psychiatrist in Houston, give us a call: 281-849-4080

References:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21969650/
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3096184/
https://www.yourhealthinmind.org/psychiatry-explained/your-first-appointment
​