What is social anxiety?
Social anxiety is a type of anxiety disorder that involves a fear of social situations and interactions, such as public speaking or meeting new people. People with social anxiety may experience intense anxiety and discomfort in social situations and may avoid or withdraw from these situations altogether.
Symptoms of social anxiety may include:
- Excessive self-consciousness and worry about being judged by others
- Physical symptoms such as sweating, shaking, or blushing
- Difficulty making eye contact or speaking in front of others
- Avoiding social situations or events
- Difficulty making friends or maintaining relationships[1]
Social anxiety can interfere with daily activities and may impact a person’s ability to work, go to school, or participate in social activities. It’s important to seek help if you feel that social anxiety is impacting your daily life.
How is social anxiety diagnosed?
In Australia, social anxiety disorder is typically diagnosed by a mental health professional, such as a doctor, psychiatrist, psychologist, or psychiatric nurse.
A person with social anxiety disorder is characterised by a marked and persistent fear of social settings where they are exposed to possible scrutiny by others. This fear is often excessive or unreasonable and severely interferes with daily life. In order to diagnose a social anxiety disorder, the symptoms have to have been present for at least six months, and the symptoms must be ruled out with other conditions.[2]
If you’re looking for help understanding social anxiety and whether you may have it, a Mosh doctor can help. They will conduct a thorough assessment before making any diagnosis or providing any treatment plans to ensure the best care possible for each unique situation.
During this initial consultation, you may also ask your doctor questions like, ‘What Is Anxiety Disorder?’ or find out if a depression and anxiety test can be helpful to you. You can also ask about methods for how to stop feeling anxious or get help understanding questions you may be asking yourself, such as ‘Why am I depressed?’
What are the different treatments for social anxiety?
There are several treatment options available for social anxiety disorder in Australia.[3] While the most effective treatment is typically a combination of medication and psychotherapy, some people may find relief with one treatment approach alone.
- Medication. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from taking medication, such as antidepressants, prescribed by a doctor to help reduce their anxiety symptoms. It is important to note that medications can have side effects, and it is important to discuss the potential risks and benefits with a doctor or pharmacist.
- Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, can be an effective treatment for social anxiety disorder. One type of psychotherapy that has been found to be particularly effective for social anxiety disorder is cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT).[4]
CBT helps people identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviours that contribute to their anxiety. Other types of psychotherapy that may be helpful for social anxiety disorder include exposure therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
- Other treatments. In addition to medication and psychotherapy, there are other treatments that may be helpful for people with social anxiety disorder. These may include relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or progressive muscle relaxation.[5]
It is important to note that treatment for social anxiety disorder may take time and may involve a trial-and-error process to find the most effective treatment approach. It is also important to work with a mental health professional to develop a treatment plan that is tailored to your individual needs.
For example, learning how to beat depression for yourself may differ from learning What To Say To A Friend Who Is Depressed. The same goes with Social Anxiety Treatment.
At Mosh, it’s easy to get access to the mental health care you need. You can simply begin by filling out a quick questionnaire with your basic personal information and medical concerns. Once you’ve submitted your questionnaire, a Mosh doctor will look over your responses to get a better understanding of your situation.
When you are ready, you may contact your doctor to discuss whether social anxiety treatment is appropriate for you via phone, text, or video chat. Depending on the severity of your case or what works best for you, your doctor may recommend a medical, over-the-counter, or therapy solution if it’s necessary.
How does anxiety medication work?
Anxiety medications work by altering the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that are responsible for causing anxiety and related symptoms. These medications are designed to target specific areas of the brain and can help to regulate mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.[6]
If you are prescribed medication by your Mosh doctor, it’s important to work closely with them to determine the appropriate dosage for your specific needs and to monitor for any potential side effects of your social anxiety treatment.
Once your Mosh doctor determines the social anxiety medication that is most effective for you, you can begin to place an order with us, which will arrive on your doorstep just a few days after your date of payment. And don’t worry, we ensure discreet delivery, with refills being sent over as necessary.
Get the right help you need with Mosh
At Mosh, it’s our goal to provide you with the proper care and treatment to help with your anxiety symptoms or help you find a doctor who gets you. In order to do this, we ensure that the doctors assigned to your case are equipped to deal with mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and similar.
You can rest assured that our doctors will do everything they can to provide you with the appropriate social anxiety treatment or management techniques so you can go back to living your best life and being the best and most confident version of yourself.
Get in touch with Mosh today!