Social Anxiety

When connection feels like pressure — we help you feel comfortable being seen.

What Is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is more than shyness. It’s an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or rejected in social or performance situations. For some, it’s limited to public speaking or large crowds. For others, it affects everyday interactions — ordering food, joining conversations, or even making phone calls.

It’s not a character flaw. It’s a treatable condition that can ease with the right support.

Signs of Social Anxiety

  • Avoiding eye contact or speaking up
  • Fear of being the center of attention
  • Excessive worry before or after social events
  • Feeling flushed, shaky, or panicked when interacting with others
  • Avoiding school, meetings, or dating
  • Trouble making friends or advocating for yourself
  • Deep feelings of shame, self-consciousness, or fear of being disliked

Left untreated, social anxiety can lead to isolation, depression, and missed opportunities — but healing is possible.

How It Presents Across Ages

Teens & Young Adults

  • Struggles with participation in school or college
  • Avoidance of presentations, clubs, or friendships
  • Fear of looking awkward or “cringe”
  • Sensitivity to social media or peer judgment

Adults

  • Avoiding promotions or leadership roles
  • Difficulty networking, dating, or speaking in meetings
  • Feeling “on edge” at social events, even if outwardly composed

Older Adults

  • Social withdrawal due to long-standing anxiety
  • Anxiety about judgment for aging, health issues, or loss of independence

Our Treatment Approach

Social anxiety is often invisible — but it responds well to care. We offer:

  • Thorough psychiatric assessment to confirm diagnosis and identify co-occurring conditions (e.g., ADHD, depression)
  • Therapy focused on exposure, self-compassion, and reframing internal narratives
  • Medication when appropriate (SSRIs or beta blockers for situational use)
  • Coaching for confidence-building, social skill development, and self-advocacy
  • Flexible options like telehealth for patients uncomfortable with in-person visits

You don’t have to “just push through.” We’ll help you build calm from the inside out.

FAQs – Social Anxiety

  • Is this just introversion?
    No. Introversion is a personality trait. Social anxiety causes distress, avoidance, or impairment.
  • Can social anxiety go away on its own?
    It can ease over time, but many benefit from treatment to break the avoidance cycle and build confidence.
  • What’s the best treatment?
    CBT and exposure therapy are evidence-based, often paired with medication for faster relief.
  • Can therapy help even if I don’t like talking?
    Yes — therapy can move at your pace. We’ll never force you to overshare or perform.

✅ Step Into Connection at Your Own Pace

📞 Call Us: (478) 745-9206
📍 3100 Ridge Ave, Macon, GA
🗓 Appointments within 1–2 weeks

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