Imagine you’re so nervous about eating around others, you break out in sweats just at the thought of it. And by the time you arrive for the meal, you’re sick to your stomach.
Our guest, Aimee White, understands the problem. She has Social Anxiety Disorder (Social Phobia) and on the show, Aimee provided us with insight into how Social Anxiety Disorder has impacted her life; leaving her somewhat isolated and unable to eat around others. Watch the video on Social Anxiety Disorder.
Watch the HealthyPlace Mental Health TV Show “on-demand.” Learn what led to Aimee’s social anxiety and how she eventually took control of her life by researching her symptoms after being misdiagnosed. (Aimee’s blog on Social Anxiety Disorder is here).
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder is so much more than simple shyness. Healthyplace.com Medical Director, Dr. Harry Croft, referred to Social Anxiety Disorder as “shyness to the max.”
According to Dr. Croft, those living with the social anxiety avoid public places for fear of being ridiculed or embarrassed over something they do or say. However, it is often difficult to avoid social situations altogether, so for sufferers battling Social Anxiety Disorder, being put in those situations may cause the following physical symptoms:
• Sweating
• Heart palpitations
• Rapid heartbeat
• Nausea
• Indigestion
• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Diarrhea
Healthyplace.com knows that suffering from a mental illness is not easy. We never want you to feel alone. With our newest feature, you can share your mental health experiences, comments and stories with others by calling 1-888-883-8045. Take a minute to share and you just might be giving someone the inspiration they need. The mental health experiences recordings are posted in a widget on the HealthyPlace homepage and the HealthyPlace Mental Health Support Network homepage.
Join us next Tuesday, October 27, as we talk about Postpartum Depression and the difficulties it can bring into what is supposed to be a joyous time of life. Dr. Croft will be on hand to talk about symptoms and treatment of postpartum depression to get you back on track.
Watch us live at 5:30 pm PST / 7:30 pm CST / 8:30 pm EST. See you then!
I appreciate this article and also Aimee’s courage in sharing her story here.
I used to have really bad social anxiety too. It’s a lot better now though, it took a lot of work and patience but what really got me over the hump was going to free support groups (they have both telephone and local groups) offered by Social Anxiety Anonymous, they have info on their groups at http://www.healsocialanxiety.com
Mostly I want to tell every one with social anxiety to hang in there because it really can get better. Especially if you are open minded and keep looking for help.