Social Anxiety Treatment, Remedies & Therapy in Singapore

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety, also known as sociophobia, is an anxiety disorder that disrupts a person’s ability to function effectively in social settings. This condition, which can become chronic and worsen over time if unaddressed, often originates from traumatic experiences, negative emotional associations with specific events, or instances of bullying.

Physical manifestations, like sweating, trembling, blushing, and rapid heart rate, often accompany social anxiety, particularly in outdoor or social situations. People grappling with this disorder also contend with intense apprehension, dread, or fear before, during, or after social interactions. These emotions are often centered around safety concerns, potential judgment, embarrassment, or rejection by others, activating the Fight-Flight-Freeze-Fawn (FFFF) response.

Recognising that those struggling with social anxiety are not necessarily introverts or antisocial is essential. This internal struggle is intense and genuine, independent of personality traits. The impact of social anxiety extends beyond immediate emotional distress. Those dealing with this disorder may avoid social scenarios or endure them with significant discomfort, potentially leading to social isolation and affecting relationships, work, and academic performance. Social gatherings, job interviews, crowded outdoor spaces, and public speaking engagements are often avoided, limiting opportunities and derailing career aspirations.

Rooted in childhood or adolescence, diverse factors can trigger social anxiety, including familial history of anxiety and distressing experiences in social settings. Furthermore, it can coincide with other mental health conditions such as depression, generalised anxiety disorder, or substance abuse.

Social anxiety significantly impairs a person’s overall well-being. Nevertheless, one can acquire the tools to effectively manage social anxiety symptoms through dedicated social anxiety treatment, such as Clinical Hypnotherapy, Trauma-informed Psychotherapy and Somatic Integration Therapy, and Neuro-alignment Program, coupled with Breathwork and Movement Therapy, which are effective interventions for social anxiety therapy leading to more fulfilling and rewarding lives.

Signs and Symptoms of Anxiety Disorders

Social anxiety can look different from person to person, but there are common signs that often indicate someone is struggling with this condition. These signs can manifest emotionally, physically, and behaviorally, and they can impact various areas of life.

Intense Fear of Judgment
A person with social anxiety often feels overwhelming fear or dread about being judged, criticized, or embarrassed in social situations. This fear can persist long after the event has passed.
Physical Symptoms
Social anxiety can cause noticeable physical symptoms like sweating, trembling, blushing, a racing heart, or difficulty breathing, especially in situations like public speaking or meeting new people.
Avoidance of Social Situations
To avoid the discomfort of social interactions, someone with social anxiety may withdraw from or avoid gatherings, events, or activities where they might be the center of attention. This can include avoiding parties, work events, or even everyday activities like talking to strangers.
Excessive Self-Consciousness
People with social anxiety often feel hyper-aware of how they come across to others, leading to self-criticism and worry about their appearance, behavior, or speech during and after social interactions.
Anticipatory Anxiety
A person with social anxiety often begins feeling anxious days or weeks before a social event. They may ruminate about potential interactions, imagining worst-case scenarios, and fearing humiliation or rejection.
Difficulty in Group Settings
In group settings, those with social anxiety might find it hard to speak up, join conversations, or make eye contact. They may avoid group discussions or become excessively quiet due to fear of saying something wrong.
Low Self-Esteem
Many people with social anxiety struggle with low self-esteem. They may doubt their worth and believe others will find them uninteresting, unworthy, or socially awkward.
Overthinking or Replaying Interactions
After social encounters, someone with social anxiety may replay the situation in their mind, analyzing every word and gesture, worried that they made a mistake or came across poorly. This can lead to shame and regret.
Difficulty in Professional or Academic Settings
In professional or academic environments, social anxiety can hinder a person’s ability to perform well. They may struggle with presentations, meetings, or networking opportunities, often avoiding situations where they may have to interact with others.
Physical Tension or Fatigue
Chronic anxiety can manifest physically in the body. Someone with social anxiety may experience constant muscle tension, fatigue, headaches, or even digestive issues as a result of prolonged stress.
Fear of Speaking in Public
A common symptom of social anxiety is intense fear when speaking in front of others, whether in small groups or larger audiences. This can extend to daily interactions, making even casual conversations feel daunting.
Difficulty Making Eye Contact
People with social anxiety may avoid making eye contact in conversations out of fear of being judged or scrutinized. This can sometimes be misinterpreted as disinterest, even though it’s a protective response to anxiety.
Feeling Isolated or Alienated
Due to avoidance of social situations, individuals with social anxiety may start to feel disconnected or isolated. The belief that others won’t understand or that they are the only ones feeling this way can deepen feelings of loneliness.

Recognizing these signs is the first step in understanding social anxiety. It’s important to note that these symptoms are not a reflection of weakness but rather an emotional and physical response to stress and fear. Social anxiety can be overwhelming, but with the right support, understanding, and tools, it is possible to manage and reduce these symptoms, leading to more confident and fulfilling social interactions.

Our Services

Clinical Hypnotherapy

Clinical Hypnosis is an effective treatment for Social Anxiety. Clinical Hypnotherapy for Social Anxiety works by reprogramming negative thought patterns and fostering self-assurance empowering individuals to navigate social interactions with a more positive mindset.

Psychotherapy and Counselling

Psychotherapy and Counselling for social anxiety provide a supportive space to explore the root causes of social anxiety and develop coping strategies. These therapeutic interventions offer tools to navigate social situations more easily and confidently.

Trauma-informed Somatic Therapy

Discover freedom from social anxiety through Trauma-informed Somatic Integration Therapy. This specialized approach acknowledges the mind-body connection, gently guiding you to explore and release stored tension and trauma contributing to social anxiety. Embrace a journey of self-discovery, fostering resilience and restoring confidence in social interactions as you navigate towards a life free from the constraints of social anxiety.

Neuro-alignment Program

The Neuro-alignment Program, a cutting-edge method, taps into the potential of neuroplasticity to rewire neural pathways associated with social anxiety. This brain retraining system aids in reshaping reactions to social triggers, leading to enduring transformation and increased comfort in social settings.

Frequently-Asked-Questions (FAQs)

1. What causes social anxiety?

Social anxiety can develop due to a variety of factors, such as past experiences of judgment or rejection, genetic predispositions, or learned behaviors. It may also stem from trauma or ongoing stress, where the nervous system remains in a heightened state of alertness, anticipating potential threats in social situations.

2. How can therapy help with social anxiety?

Therapy offers a compassionate space to explore the underlying root causes of social anxiety, helping you rediscover yourself and create a sense of inner safety. It supports you in developing gentle exploration strategies and incremental exercises to gradually overcome fear at a pace that resonates with you. Through therapy, you can build confidence by renarrating unhelpful coping mechanisms and learning new ways to relate to social situations. The process helps you regulate and manage your thoughts, replacing them with more supportive perspectives, ultimately fostering a deeper sense of ease and control.

3. How is social anxiety different from shyness?

Shyness is a milder form of discomfort in social situations, while social anxiety is more intense and persistent. Social anxiety involves significant fear of negative evaluation and experiences and often leads to physical symptoms that disrupt daily life, whereas shyness may not cause the same level of distress or avoidance.

4. How long does it take to overcome social anxiety?

The timeline for managing social anxiety can vary greatly from person to person, as each individual brings their own unique life experiences, challenges, and coping mechanisms. It’s essential to be gentle and patient with yourself throughout the process. Some may begin to notice improvement within a few weeks, while others may require more time to feel at ease in social situations. Healing is a deeply personal journey, and it’s important to honor your own pace. Progress unfolds in its own time, and every small step forward is meaningful in creating lasting change.

5. Can I manage social anxiety on my own?

While self-help strategies, such as mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and gradual exposure to social situations, can be beneficial, professional therapy offers a more structured approach and deeper support. Therapy not only helps uncover the underlying causes of social anxiety but also provides skills and tools that can support you in your daily life. With consistent practice, these tools become a form of self-agency, empowering you to manage your anxiety for the long term. Over time, therapy can offer lasting benefits, allowing you to develop personalized strategies for healing and equip you with the resources to navigate social situations with greater ease and confidence.

6. Is it possible to feel confident in social situations despite social anxiety?

Yes, with consistent effort, practice, therapy, patience, and self-compassion, it is absolutely possible to feel more at ease in social situations. Over time, you can retrain your nervous system, challenge negative thought patterns, and build confidence through gradual exposure to social interactions.

Sol Therapy – Your Trusted Therapists for Social Anxiety Treatment in Singapore

For more information on our therapy for social anxiety in Singapore, please WhatsApp us at (65) 89422211 or email us at [email protected]

"And to heal, you must first allow yourself to feel everything."

- Zahra Daripour