Social Anxiety – How To Treat It
Most people may get a little nervous when they have to enter into brand new social situations, but if you find that you or your child are trying to avoid social situations at all costs, this may very well be a symptom of social anxiety. Below are some of the most important signs and symptoms of this condition and I will also list a few treatment options that you may try.
Nothing Worked For My Social Anxiety from Gerd Petersen on Vimeo.
Social anxiety is a feeling of extreme nervousness or panic attacks when the patient is in certain social settings. Some of the patients only experience this in situations when they for example have to eat in front of other people or when speaking in public, while others who suffer from social anxiety will start to panic in any social situation. The reason is that these patients are extremely concerned about the way they will behave when they’re in front of others. They are so concerned with other’s opinions and they don’t have enough self-esteem to be around other people.
If you notice that your child starts to display embarrassment at his or her own actions, even around you, or that they are afraid to go to school or age-appropriate social functions, it may be time to seek help. While simply talking to your child and letting them know there’s nothing to be afraid of may not help completely, you can definitely use this as part of their overall therapy.
Going to a counselor that will allow your child to express his or her feelings may be a great suggestion. Younger children can draw pictures about the times they feel nervous around other people, and can practice being in mock social settings at the counselor’s office in order to make everyday interactions easier.
Since everyone expresses their nervousness differently, the type of medication that is needed may not be standard. Versions of the social anxiety medication Paxil may be ideal for older children and adults, which will help children to remain calm and confident when talking to others while child dosages of Prozac may prove to be effective as well. Social anxiety in children–and some adults–may also be the result of certain types of autism or ADHD.
In addition to talking to your doctor about medication, there are a few natural supplements that you can take as well. Vetiver oils can be diffused in your child’s room while they’re sleeping in order to calm the nervous system and improve their mood and lavender oils can help to rid the body of impurities regulate the blood flow.
Making sure that you’re getting enough vitamins or giving your kids the right type of nutrition they need will also help to regulate social anxiety and after a few months you should start to see definite improvement.
by Gerd Petersen
