Feeling anxious around others?

Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), also called social phobia, is a common but under-diagnosed mental health condition affecting people across different age groups and cultures.

If you ever catch yourself saying, “I hate being around people,” you're expressing one of the signs right there.

A prominent feature of SAD is the fear of being evaluated negatively by others during an interaction.

According to the Social Anxiety Institute, social anxiety is the third largest mental health issue. Around 7% of the USA suffers from this. 

When does social anxiety occur?

Here are some common situations in which social anxiety is at it's worst:

• Work or school;
• Speaking in public and around others;
• Dates;
• Parties, events and other social gatherings;
• Having conversations with strangers.

People who are suffering from social anxiety usually fear the following:

• Being judged and criticized by others;
• Offending others unknowingly;
• Fear of embarrassment and humiliation;
• Being in the limelight and center of attention. 

Signs and symptoms of social anxiety disorder.

Physical signs you'll express if you have SAD:

• Shaking;
• Sweating, 
• Cracking voice; 
• Increased urge to use the toilet;
• Shortness of breath;
• Rapid heartbeat;
• Dizziness.

Behavioral symptoms include: 

• Avoiding any interaction with others; 
• Leaving prematurely; 
• Keeping quiet during interactions.

The long term effects of social anxiety disorder.

Social anxiety disorder can disrupt many aspects of your life. It can lead to damaged relationships with others and probably none at all. 

It can also destroy your career, social life and affect your self-esteem which can lead to depression. 

This is why overcoming this is essential to living life to the fullest. 

How to overcome social anxiety.

There are lots of ways to manage SAD, self-help strategies include employing relaxation techniques, aromatherapy and joining self-help forums.

Beta-blockers can also be given to people with abnormal heart rates but the best form of therapy is online life coaching and there are many reasons why this is so.

Why online life coaching for social anxiety disorder works.

Your social anxiety doesn't interfere with online sessions.

If you have problems interacting with people in your life, it's possible you'd have the same problem with a physical session.

Online life coaching provides you with the option to interact via video calls, if this is still daunting for you, then you can switch off your camera. 

It allows a remote connection with the professional. 

Depending on your schedule, fitting in time with for sessions will be too much for one day.

Online life coaching provides flexible options that work for both you and the Expert and there are not many in-person Life Coaches anyway, so distance could also be a barrier.

Online life coaching also shortens connection time so you won't be waiting weeks before getting an appointment.

It's more convenient and affordable.

Physical sessions will require you to leave your home for your appointment.

This won't be an issue but due to the current situation of the COVID-19 pandemic, online sessions are more ideal. 

Life Coaches on WikiExpert have Thank Yous and testimonials from Clients which allows you to compare before making a booking. 

It deals with the social stigma.

Online sessions beat the fear and embarrassment of being spotted at a clinic or office. Online life coaching provides an anonymous alternative to that.

People don't need to know where you're always rushing to during your appointments, only you and the Expert will know about these private matters. 

It's easy to track your progress.

Your Life Coach may set milestones to track progress and with the use of integrated software, provide reports monthly or quarterly.

Any sign of progress will motivate you to stick to the plan, that's why these online tools are important and that's how to beat social anxiety!