Support for Social Anxiety

Social interaction is something that most of us don't have to think twice about. It seems natural for us to have the ability to speak with others or strike up a friendly conversation; in fact, many would say that it has become second nature. However, this is not always the case. According to an article by Steven Reinberg, a reporter for HealthDay, recent studies have shown that a staggering 15 million Americans currently suffer from social anxiety disorder - a condition which prevents an individual from being able to interact with others without being seized by anxiety or fear. Individuals afflicted by social anxiety are plagued by the feeling that they need to constantly overanalyze a situation, worrying about all the possible scenarios that may cause embarrassment in social settings. In short, social anxiety is a persistent worry about how a person will appear to others.

Despite the widespread nature of this condition, there are countless methods of recovery which are being utilized by people everywhere, from across the country to our own Connecticut backyard. Many individuals are wholeheartedly dedicated to helping those suffering from social anxiety, and make a remarkable difference in the lives of those afflicted. One Connecticut resident who has dedicated herself to making a difference in the world of social anxiety is Marla, a truly inspiring woman who has overcome her own case of Social Anxiety Disorder and devoted her time to supporting others with this condition.

"To me, (social anxiety) used to mean a limited life, a set of self-induced rules of what was allowed, within my comfort zone; it meant extreme anticipatory anxiety followed by relentless rehashing of a social event or performance.  It meant a life of avoidance, with my primary fear of public speaking being so severe that it decided everything from my career path, which classes I would choose, when I would graduate, to which interests I could pursue," says Marla when asked about her own experience with social anxiety. "It also affected my everyday decisions of which route I would walk with the least amount of people to what I would eat for lunch… but now, social anxiety has given me motivation, passion, and a true purpose in life.  It turns out that it decided the right career path for me, which is to work in a field that helps others."

Marla's organization, Support for Social Anxiety, provides individuals with the opportunity to attend support groups, so that they may share their stories and work with others to overcome their anxiety. "You can read all the self-help books you want on it, and attend as many individual therapy sessions available, but there is something about coming together with a group of people facing the same lifelong challenge as you, healing together, while at the same time confronting your biggest fears by simply being in a group environment," states Marla.

Marla also offers excellent advice for those who may not suffer from social anxiety themselves, but have the desire to help others. "People can support individuals with social anxiety by having an open mind, being non-judgmental, and learning more about it.  The irrational, negative racing thoughts that accompany socially anxious people cannot be perceived nor comprehended by another that has not experienced it themselves.  They simply have to listen and believe that the anxiety can be that bad and feel so real sometimes, although they cannot relate.  Some people with social anxiety don’t realize that there is a name to the intense, paralyzing, daily fear; they feel completely alone and defective."

Thanks to people like Marla, countless individuals are developing the skills they need to overcome their social anxiety. Although the condition will never go away completely, it is still completely possible to live a happy, fulfilling life, even in its presence. If you wish to contact Marla, she can be reached at her website, http://www.supportforsocialanxiety.com/. 

When asked about her overall impression of social anxiety, Marla shared some wise words. "Social anxiety seemed to be an insurmountable barrier, a never ending pattern of avoidance in life.  I now know there is no 'cure' to it, that it will never go away completely, but I have a choice about how much progress I can make and maintain.  It means hopefulness, and applying the techniques I’ve learned to progress specifically to all aspects of my life.  It once was my biggest secret, now it is my most open, favorite topic."