Sometimes, certain social situations can be nerve-wracking; however, if you find you are constantly anxious, especially during everyday social activities, this may be a sign you have social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder, left untreated, can significantly reduce your quality of life for the worse. Not only will you likely avoid certain situations because of your social anxiety, but your social anxiety disorder may increase your risk of abusing substances to relieve your symptoms. Keep reading to learn more about social anxiety disorders and addiction, and the importance of seeking treatment.
At CTRLCare, we are a premier behavioral healthcare facility committed to helping teens and young adults struggling with mental illness and problematic technology use. We offer a wide range of treatment therapies to help as many patients as possible lead a happier, healthier life. If you or someone you know is struggling with a mental illness, help is available. Contact us today to learn more.
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder is a mental health condition that involves persistently feeling fearful of social situations in which you are exposed to unfamiliar people or situations. Unfortunately, many people with social anxiety disorder are either so fearful/ overtaken by their anxiety symptoms during that situation that they are unable to fully appreciate the experience. Or, an individual will forgo an event or social situation altogether as a means to avoid their social anxiety symptoms.
Plus, some individuals with untreated social anxiety disorder may turn to abusing drugs or alcohol to try and temporarily relieve their symptoms. For example, this may look like a young adult drinking obsessively every time they go out with friends as a means to calm their anxiety symptoms. Unfortunately, many teens and young adults oftentimes confuse being under the influence as being themselves; however, this is not the case and can be a slippery slope that can inevitably lead to drug dependency and addiction.
Common Signs of Social Anxiety Disorder
Before you receive treatment, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis so you can then receive the right care to effectively manage your mental health disorder symptoms. Unsure if you are struggling with a social anxiety disorder, or just have a shy personality? Below are some common signs of social anxiety disorder to look out for when in front of other people/ in social situations, according to the National Institute of Mental Health:
- Sweating or trembling more than usual
- Rapid heartbeat
- Feeling sick to your stomach
- Your mind racing or going blank when you try to speak
- Having an overly soft voice when you try to talk
- Feeling self-consciousness around others
- Feeling like you’ll be negatively judged by others
- Avoiding places or experiences for fear of other people
Why Its Critical to Seek Help for Social Anxiety Disorders and Addiction
As briefly discussed before, left untreated, individuals with social anxiety disorders can resort to even abusing drugs or alcohol to help relieve their symptoms. Unfortunately, oftentimes this can lead many to develop a drug dependency and addiction. Not only can drug addiction harm your physical health and well-being, but it oftentimes can exacerbate your mental illness symptoms.
That’s why it’s critical for people with social anxiety disorders and addiction to seek professional addiction treatment for both conditions simultaneously. This will ensure you not only safely overcome your addiction, but learn healthy coping strategies to better manage your social anxiety and substance use so you can lead a happier, healthier lfie.
Help Is Available
Now you know more about social anxiety disorders and addiction. Social anxiety disorder is so much more than just having a shy personality. Social anxiety disorder can not only cause excess fear and anxiety in social situations but can cause many individuals to not do certain experiences altogether because of their fear of social situations. If you or someone you know is struggling with social anxiety or another mental disorder, it’s critical you seek professional treatment to safely manage your mental illness symptoms.
At CTRLCare, we’re here to help you every step of the way to better manage your mental illness symptoms. Our Princeton, NJ mental health facility helps teens and young adults struggling with various mental health conditions lead better lives. Contact us today to learn more about how you can better manage your symptoms and lead a healthier life.
