Social anxiety (or social phobia) is when we are so afraid of being judged or criticized by others that it impedes on our ability to live a normal life; making it tough to trust others. More than being 'shy,' people suffering from social anxiety are super self-conscious and avoid everyday social situations (especially potentially embarrassing scenarios such as giving a speech, working in groups, using a public restroom, or going on a date). Social phobia impedes our personal, professional, and academic potential; causing us to miss out on opportunities for growth and normal/healthy relationships which leads towards anger, shame, lower grades, and isolation.

10 Symptoms of Social Anxiety

• LONELINESS: Feeling disconnected, isolated and empty (even if you're sounded by others); experiencing chronic rejection; feeling like an outsider (friend group, family, culture, etc.).

• FEAR of BEING JUDGED: Intense fear and anxiety of being judged, analyzed and scrutinized in social situations and performance scenarios.

• DREADING SOCIAL EVENTS: Apprehensive, nervous, and worry regarding social events such as public speaking, going on a date, parties, dances, or networking.

• OVERTHINKING: Embarrassed, self-critical, and ruminating about behavior around other people.

• SOCIALLY AWKWARD: Uncomfortable, self-consciousness and confused in social settings; frequently misunderstood and missing social cues (High five? Handshake? Hug? = The worst).

• AVOIDING INTERACTIONS: Intentionally going out of your way to avoid uncomfortable situations; blending into the background and hoping you won't be noticed. (e.g. frequently skipping class); overusing video games and technology.

• TRUST ISSUES: It may be difficult to open up to others (talking about personal stuff)m avoiding vulnerability, or racing thoughts of suspicion (betrayal, jealousy, etc.).

• POOR COMMUNICATION: Underdeveloped social skills (listening, eye contact, body language), difficulty maintaining a conversation (short responses, not asking questions, etc.).

• MOOD SWINGS: From distant to explosive, happy to sad, or overly confident to shy and embarrassed.

• PHYSICAL SIGNS: In social pressured situations folks experience profuse sweating and moist palms; nausea, tension, dizzy and headaches; trouble catching your breath and light headed.

Treatment for Social Anxiety or Social Phobia

• COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL THERAPY: CBT is the only proven (researched) counseling approach to have a lasting impact on empowering people to overcome social anxiety; CBT helps rewire the brain to be more balanced in rational thinking and proactive behavior.

• SOCIAL SKILLS TRAINING: Decrease fear by learning and practicing the essential skills for interacting, communicating, and listening with peers/adults.

• LIFE COACHING: Increase confidence (a true belief that positive change is possible) through guided and supportive goal setting and skill practicing.

• TEEN THERAPY: Many parents feel lost in helping their teens, from making friends to overcoming shyness. Littleton Teen Therapy helps young people process social anxiety and gain skills to overcome its negative effects.

• IDENTITY DEVELOPMENT: Social phobia can have a devastating effect on young people's identity, self concept, and confidence. Childhood bullying, shyness, and social inhibition can negatively shut down exploration leaving individuals at a lost for who they are and how to engage others.

5 Benefits of Counseling for Social Anxiety

• MORE CONFIDENCE: Increase self-esteem (personal worth/respect), self-efficacy (belief that one can succeed socially) and self-concept (a healthy view of one's strengths, limitations, and skills).

• BETTER RELATIONSHIPS: Have better relationships with family, friends, and peers by increasing the ability to communicate confidently.

• LESS STRESS: Decrease anxiety, fear, and stress at school, work, or in your personal life, raising productivity and effectiveness.

• BECOME HAPPIER: Boost your mood and regulate your emotions while increasing a satisfying social life.

• SOCIAL SKILLS STRATEGIES: Develop practical, simple solutions to the complex challenges of working with people.

FEEL CONNECTED. BE CONFIDENT. TAKE CONTROL. CONQUER FEAR