Use Your Brain To Treat Social Anxiety

Social Anxiety  is the fear of being seen negatively, judged, or humiliated by others. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, around 15 million adults experience social anxiety. Many deal with their social anxiety for over ten years before ever seeking treatment. This is due to many sufferers and their peers blame it on the person just being overly shy.

However, social anxiety is an actual disorder that negatively affects the quality of life of the sufferer and severely holds them back much more than a person who would be who is just shy. People with social anxiety tend not to do well in academic or occupational settings with large amounts of people. They typically suffer from a low self-worth even when they know their fear is invalid and feel powerless over their disorder.

Although many sufferers of SAD would like to find a way to cure themselves of their disorder, many do not believe pharmaceuticals are the best direction for them personally.  However, the answer is not always pharmaceuticals. The solution is sometimes found in the one place the problem stems from; The brain. Therefore, there are many techniques and ways to reduce or rid yourself of social anxiety without the use of doctors or drugs.

Treatment with others

Oxytocin stimulation is a way to help reduce the feelings of social anxiety by releasing oxytocin in the brain. Oxytocin is called the “love molecule.” Human contact stimulates oxytocin. In one study done, sufferers inhaled neuropeptide oxytocin through the nose.  Those treated reported reduced feelings of SAD and comfortability in situations they usually would not. You do not need to inhale this through the nose to notice the effects though because Oxytocin is already in the brain.  All one needs to do to stimulate a response similar to this is have skin-to-skin contact with another human for longer than 20 seconds. It does not need to be of a sexual nature and could be as simple as a hug. Therefore, spending time with loved ones is very beneficial to those struggling with SAD.