Social Anxiety Disorder

Arts based therapy (drama therapy, role play, art therapy, giving them hypothetical situation and letting them feel the emotions that they feel in reality)- According to the American Art Therapy Association, art therapy exercises help “foster self-esteem and self-awareness, cultivate emotional resilience, promote insight, [and] reduce and resolve conflicts and distress.” However, this particular treatment has also been studied and proven to specifically help those who deal with anxiety disorders. Especially when used in combination with other treatment methods, research shows that art therapy:

Calms the nervous system.

Art therapy activities are meditative, quiet, and calming, which helps soothe symptoms of stress, nervousness, and irritability. A calm mind is better able to process difficult emotions and experiences. Mental health professionals have found that art therapy is helpful for resolving deep inner conflicts through meaningful moments of calm. Over time, these experiences help individuals to feel more peaceful in general throughout their daily lives.

Encourages self-expression.

Many of us struggle with anxiety surrounding thoughts, feelings, or events that we cannot or don’t want to speak about out loud. Art therapy helps us express ourselves in a safe manner. Through thoughtful exercises and with the guidance of a compassionate and experienced therapist, individuals with anxiety can learn how to express how they’re feeling in a creative, constructive manner. Creative self-expression helps each of us connect with experiences and emotions in a healthy, rewarding way.

Increases self-awareness.

When we engage in creative pursuits, we often discover new aspects of ourselves that we weren’t aware of before. This phenomenon is especially clear when experienced in the context of an art therapy session. Through meditative, expressive, and idiosyncratic exercises (such as drawing with the non-dominant hand), individuals gain an increased sense of self-awareness. It’s much easier to understand and identify with feelings and experiences that exist below the surface of our conscious minds when we focus on a creative activity.

Counseling- 

Psychiatry– Psychotherapy improves symptoms in most people with social anxiety disorder. In therapy, you learn how to recognize and change negative thoughts about yourself and develop skills to help you gain confidence in social situations.

Cognitive behavioral therapy is the most effective type of psychotherapy for anxiety, and it can be equally effective when conducted individually or in groups.

In exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy, you gradually work up to facing the situations you fear most. This can improve your coping skills and help you develop the confidence to deal with anxiety-inducing situations. You may also participate in skills training or role-playing to practice your social skills and gain comfort and confidence relating to others. Practicing exposures to social situations is particularly helpful to challenge your worries.