Through proper help one can gain confidence and improve their ability to interact with others
ISLAMABAD: Social phobia is a psychological condition in which a person has a strong fear of being judged by others or a fear of being embarrassed in front of others. This fear can be so strong that it gets in the way of going to work or to school. Even simple everyday tasks become much more difficult. People with social phobia often worry for days or weeks of a dreaded situation. In addition, they often experience low self-esteem and depression. Everyone has felt nervous or embarrassed at least once in his/her life but people with social phobia are afraid of doing the most common of things in front of others. Most people who suffer from this condition know that their fears are exaggerated by the brain but they cannot control it. Sometimes they stay away from places and events where they think they might have to do something that will embarrass them. Social phobia usually starts during youth. It can be genetically passed on, but no one knows for sure why some people have it and others don’t.
A type of psychotherapy, called cognitive behaviour therapy is useful for treating those that suffer from it. It teaches a person different ways of thinking, behaving and reacting to situations, which helps them feel less anxious. It can also help people learn and practise social skills. Anti-depressants are also helpful to treat social phobia. Through proper help one can gain confidence and improve their ability to interact with others.
Hadia Aziz
Published in The Express Tribune, February 15th, 2020.
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