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Showing posts from June, 2020

Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, Coping

Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) Social Anxiety Disorder ( SAD ), which is also referred to as Social Phobia , is a disorder that causes a person to feel intense fear in social situations that involve interaction with other people, or in public performances, such as public speaking. People with social anxiety often fear that they are being watched, judged, and evaluated by other people. It is often confused with shyness or low self-esteem. According to the Social Anxiety Association, Social Anxiety Disorder is the third largest psychological problem in the world today. [Ref.  ILLINOIS LIBRARY ] The fear that people with social anxiety experience is brought on by many different types of social situations, including speaking in public, speaking to strangers or meeting new people, using public restrooms, speaking on the telephone, eating, drinking, or writing in public, attending parties or large gatherings, talking to authority figures, talking to co-workers, shopping, com...

3 Fear Busting Self Help Strategies for Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety In modern society, it can often be challenging to cope with a variety of situations, and social anxiety is an increasingly common issue that often starts in the teenage years. There is so much pressure on people that it’s no surprise that many of us develop a fear of social situations. This problem usually gets easier in later life as we become more experienced, but for some, it doesn’t, and this can have a profound impact on mental health and well-being. Social anxiety is more than simply being shy in the company. It can be a dread of everyday activities such as meeting people, constant worry about getting things wrong, and often shows in symptoms such as being physically sick when faced with social situations. With  social anxiety disorder (a.k.a social phobia) you desperately want to avoid any situation that would lead to judgment and embarrassment. Plus, you're worried that you'll be found lacking. The fear of being judged is so intense that you avoid peop...

Overcome Phobias: Understanding and Solutions

What is a phobia? A phobia is a type of anxiety disorder where the sufferer experiences a persistent dread of a specific situation, creature, or place. It is characterized by an abnormal fear attached to a particular event. For example, David, developed a phobic response to snakes, after being cornered in the bathroom one time when he was a teenager. David is now 32 years old and still “runs a mile” when he sees snakes – even at the zoo. He, like all sufferers, has an overwhelming desire to keep away from anything that remotely reminds him of snakes, and he chooses not to go to the garden or go on holidays in the country because of it. Phobic individuals will do anything to avoid their particular perceived source of danger, which, is greater in their own minds, than what is there in reality. Sufferers will experience great distress when confronted by their “danger” and it can interfere with normal life… quite severely if not taken control of. Anyone who suffers from phobias has a ...

Trauma and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It is characterized by a range of distressing symptoms that persist for an extended period, affecting various aspects of an individual's life. In this article, we will delve into the symptoms, causes, diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies associated with PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder ( PTSD ) can develop after one is exposed to one or more terrifying events that threaten or caused grave physical harm. It is also a severe and ongoing emotional reaction to extreme psychological trauma. PTSD has far-reaching effects on a wider population than most people would like to think. Although prevalent with the men and women in uniform who are deployed in battlegrounds, PTSD affects a whole lot of other individuals ranging from kids to the elderly. The aftermath of a disaster, whether natural or man...

Adjustment Disorder: Actionable Strategies for Feeling Better Now

Adjustment Disorder Life is stressful. Many of these stressors are obvious and easy to identify - death (of a spouse, loved one, or friend), divorce, marital separation, jail term, personal injury or illness, being fired or other problems in career/occupation, legal or financial trouble, family conflict, etc. But there are many less obvious stressors we encounter every day that have smoothly and surreptitiously integrated themselves into our regular daily routine. Some of these feel so normal that they are practically invisible. Commitments (towards job/profession, to our children, spouses, our home, community, and more…) Procrastination – postponing stuff to pile up stresses us out Disorganization – visual clutter making it difficult to find the stuff we need stresses us out Being late – then having to rush to get ready, rush to get there - always stresses us out Exerting control over our environment - is a sure way to get stressed out Multitasking – actuality slows...

Other Posts

The Mystery of Edith Bouvier Beale's Mental Health

Edith Bouvier Beale , commonly known as " Little Edie ," was an American socialite and cousin of former First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis. In this article, we explore the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, an enigmatic figure whose struggles with mental health captivated public attention. From her affluent upbringing to her seclusion in " Grey Gardens ," we delve into the complexities of Edith Bouvier Beale's mental health journey. Edith Bouvier Beale's Mental Health: What We Know (and Don't Know) In the realm of intriguing personalities, Edith Bouvier Beale stands out as a complex figure whose life was marked by both glamour and obscurity. While her name might not ring a bell for everyone, her captivating journey, marred by mental health struggles, has left an indelible mark. Let us delve into the life of Edith Bouvier Beale, exploring her early days, her rise to stardom, her decline into isolation, and the profound impact of mental health challenges on...

How To Stop Intrusive Thoughts

An intrusive thought is an unwelcome, involuntary thought, image, or unpleasant idea that may become an obsession, is upsetting or distressing, and can feel difficult to manage or eliminate. (source: Wikipedia ) Common examples of intrusive thoughts include unwanted, intrusive thoughts about the safety of oneself or others, causing distress, and thoughts of performing dangerous actions. These thoughts may lead to negative behaviors, which may increase vulnerability to future experiences of trauma. Intrusive thoughts have been linked to recent life stress, sleep deprivation, prior anxiety, and childhood abuse. The state of depression , suicidal ideation, or anxiety may also be caused by the release of stress hormones. Analysis of studies in subjects who had experienced prolonged periods of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) found that intrusive thoughts and flashbacks are associated with greater than 50% of symptoms, especially memory fragmentation. Intrusive thoughts often occur ...

Autism Spectrum Disorder: What You Need to Know

Autism Spectrum Disorder ( ASD ) is a complex developmental disability that can cause significant social, communication, and behavioral challenges. People with ASD may have difficulty understanding and responding to social cues, and they may communicate in ways that are different from most people. They may also have restricted interests and repetitive behaviors. ASD is a spectrum disorder, which means that there is a wide range of symptoms and severity. Some people with ASD may have mild symptoms that only minimally impact their daily lives, while others may have more severe symptoms that make it difficult to function independently. Despite the challenges that people with ASD face, they can also have many strengths. They may be very intelligent, creative, and have strong attention to detail. With early intervention and appropriate support, many people with ASD can lead happy and fulfilling lives. In this article, I will provide an overview of autism spectrum disorder, including the sy...