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 | Support Group Format |
| What Is CBT? |
| Anxiety Disorder Relief |
| Meeting Minutes |
Resources and Links of Interest
NIMH SOCIAL PHOBIA INFORMATION ANXIETY DISORDERS ASSOCIATION OF AMERICA SPIN SELF TEST FOR SOCIAL ANXIETY DISORDER LIEBOWITZ SOCIAL ANXIETY SCALE QUESTIONNAIRE SOCIAL ANXIETY SUPPORT FORUMS
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Check out this documentary on Social Anxiety
Afraid of People (Windows Media file)
Anxious Speakers of Arizona
Social Anxiety and Shyness Peer Support Group
As of 6/30/08 we have ended our weekly meetings. Please use the contact form at the bottom of this page if you would like to be notified of any planned future social get-togethers
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
The intensity of social anxiety and the range of feared social situations varies from person to person. For example, some people experience fear that is fairly manageable. Others are completely overwhelmed by the intensity of their fear. For some people the fear is limited to a single social situation such as public speaking or using public restrooms. For others, the social anxiety occurs in almost all social situations.
The level of mental and physical discomfort can be so strong that people will often change their lifestyles to avoid being exposed to the situation. They might drop out of school, become unemployed, use alcohol or drugs, isolate themselves, become suicidal, or avoid relationships.
According to the Social Anxiety Institute, Social Anxiety is the largest anxiety disorder, and the third largest mental healthcare problem in the world today, after depression and alcoholism. It is estimated that over 10 million Americans or about 7-8% of the population suffers from Social Anxiety Disorder.
Some common anxiety provoking social situations include:
- Public speaking
- Talking with people in authority
- Dating and developing close relationships
- Making a phone call or answering the phone
- Interviews
- Driving
- Attending and participating in class
- Attending Church
- Speaking with strangers
- Meeting new people
- Eating, drinking, or writing in public
- Using public bathrooms
- Shopping
Some physical symptoms that may occur during, or in anticipation of, the situation include:
- Rapid heartbeat
- Sweating or chills
- Muscle Tension
- Upset Stomach
- Trembling
- Shaky voice
- Dry mouth
- Blushing
- Queasiness
- Ticks/twitching
- Hyperventilation
- Difficulty making eye contact
