Overcoming Social Phobia

Everybody experiences an irrational and strong aversion or fear of a particular thing, individual, or situation. This condition is generally referred to as phobia. There are numerous types of phobia, and one of the most common is the social phobia. This type of phobic condition hinders some individuals from totally socializing or mingling with others.
It is quite innate for a person to feel shy or nervous when dealing with other people. While some are not self-conscious when speaking in front of a huge crowd, there are those who are literally afraid of doing so. Even having a simple conversion with peers is oftentimes a struggle for individuals who have social phobia.
Generally, people with social phobia have no problems interacting with close friends, relatives, and family members. However, intense self-consciousness and fear of rejection or embarrassment enter when these individuals meet new people who are outside their comfort zones.
Moreover, the case of social phobia focuses on an individual’s concerns and anxieties on their performance and image in their social circle. A normal person never has to spend so much time worrying about criticisms or how other people might see or judge them. But for those dealing with social phobia, they are always troubled and conscious on what others notice and feel about them.

Overcoming and dealing with social phobia
Just like other people with different types of phobia, individuals who are suffering from social stigma can definitely control and manage their fear and anxiety of being around or mingling with other people. Below are some ways on how one can overcome and deal with this type of phobia:

1. Get support from family and friends
It is extremely essential for those with social phobia to have support from the people who are very close to them - family and friends. These people can help strengthen one’s morale, thus, further encouraging that person to go out of his shell, socialize with others, and develop relationships outside his comfort zone.

2. Seek help from a therapist
Aside from family and friends, therapists are also the best ones to seek help from by those who have social phobia. These experts can help establish one’s self-esteem and confidence. They are also good at counseling and creating programs that can aid one in facing social concerns and fears. Although there are some therapists who prescribe medications to patients, majority of treatments only include social development programs or plans.
3. Maintain one’s willingness and commitment to become better
The success of overcoming and dealing with social phobia basically relies on the individual’s willingness and commitment to improve his phobic condition. Being patient is important since the process requires one to deal with his greatest fears on facing other people and becoming open to things that are not within his comfort zone.

As a social phobic continuous to seek improvement on his condition, he will eventually overcome his fears and become more and more comfortable dealing with new people, accepting criticisms, and welcoming things that are new to him.