It’s been commonly said that a majority of people are more afraid of public speaking than they are of dying. But while most people feel some degree of anxiety in certain social situations, some individuals experience such extreme anxiety that they become virtually incapacitated by it.

Our staff at Ridgeview Institute Smyrna & Monroe works with men, women, and adolescents living with social anxiety—a mental health condition which can make even simple activities such as making eye contact seem like an impossibility.

Common Social Anxiety Disorder Symptoms

Social anxiety disorder (sometimes called social phobia) can manifest a little differently from person to person and affects an estimated 15 million Americans. A few of the main signs and symptoms include:

• An extreme and intense fear of being judged, criticized, rejected, or otherwise negatively evaluated by other people in social settings
• A preoccupation with or fear of appearing anxious, boring, or awkward (whether or not other people actually perceive them this way)
• Physical signs and symptoms including blushing, sweaty palms, nausea, rapid heart rate

Situations in which social anxiety disorder symptoms can manifest include: dating, public speaking, eating in public, entering public restrooms, starting conversations, going to school or work, making eye contact, going to parties, or simply entering a room filled with other people.

For many people with social anxiety disorder, their strategy to deal with their condition is to simply avoid situations known to trigger symptoms or a full-blown anxiety attack. Understandably, this can have a dramatic impact on a person’s self-confidence, peace of mind, and ability to maintain meaningful relationships or perform well in academic or occupational settings.

Social Anxiety Treatment at Ridgeview Institute

At Ridgeview Institute, we offer individualized treatment including inpatient services, partial hospitalization, and intensive outpatient programs, depending on your needs. We work closely with individuals and their families to devise an appropriate plan of care that can help a person learn new strategies to manage their anxiety and engage more comfortably in social situations. Comprehensive care may include:

• Medication management
• Group therapy
• Support groups for individuals and families
• Patient education

In Need of Anxiety Treatment? Reclaim Your Life With Help From Ridgeview Institute

We work compassionately and confidently with people living in the Smyrna and Monroe, GA areas. If you or a loved one are struggling with recurring anxiety attacks and are looking for social anxiety treatment, contact Ridgeview Institute now at (844) 350-8800 for a free assessment—24 hour a day, 7 days a week!