Slim Body Blog

For most people, family gatherings, parties, and other social
activities are part of the fun of the holiday season. Not so for those
with social anxiety disorder, who dread-or even avoid-social situations,
reports the December 2008 issue of Harvard Women’s Health Watch.
It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous about meeting new people or
attending parties. But if you feel inordinately uneasy and self-conscious
in such everyday social situations, and sometimes find yourself skipping
them, you may have social anxiety disorder. The thought of proposing a
toast, socializing with people you don’t know well, or just making small
talk may be terrifying. You may experience palpitations, sweating,
confusion, or other symptoms of anxiety. Even if you make yourself
socialize, you may feel miserable before, during, and afterward. The
problem isn’t limited to parties, but may affect your life at school and
work, too.
Certain types of psychotherapy can help treat and manage social anxiety
disorder. Cognitive behavioral therapy, the most widely studied
intervention, aims to correct ingrained patterns of negative thinking and
the behaviors they cause by helping people face their social fears
directly. Buy ultram pills Medication may also be helpful.
If you suffer from social anxiety disorder, try to avoid isolation during
the holidays, suggests Harvard Women’s Health Watch. That only serves to
reinforce social anxiety. If small religious or family events are the
least threatening, stick with those. Be careful with alcohol-there are
serious pitfalls in using it to ease your worries or boost your courage.
Leave time for relaxation, eat a balanced diet, exercise regularly, and
avoid caffeine. Finally, keep in mind that social anxiety is likely to get
worse if left untreated.
Also in this issue:
- Osteoporotic fractures of the spine
- Hot flashes and cardiovascular disease
- Alexander technique and back pain
- At what age should I stop getting Pap tests?
Harvard Women’s Health Watch is available from Harvard Health
Publications, the publishing division of Harvard Medical School, for $24
per year. Subscribe at
Harvard Women’s Health Watch
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