SOCIAL PHOBIA

What is a phobia?
A phobia is something a person fears to the point that they feel they have to change how they behave. One type of phobia, called specific phobia, can involve fear of an object (like a lift) or a situation (like public speaking) that poses little or no danger. Phobias can also involve fear of being embarrassed, looked at, or made fun of in social or work situations. These are called social phobias. With both of these phobias, the fear is extreme and hard to control. Without treatment, phobias can last many years and affect a person's career, relationships, and daily life activities. Both specific and social phobias are types of anxiety disorders.

It's important to know that when a person has a specific or social phobia, it's not his or her fault. And, it's not something a person can just "snap out of." No one knows for sure what causes phobias.


What are social phobias and what are the symptoms?
Social phobia involves feeling very self-conscious in everyday social situations. It is more than just being shy or nervous, and can cause extreme anxiety. A person can feel afraid and uncomfortable when around other people. It may be hard to be at work or school, when you have to interact with others. While many people with these phobias know that their fear may be extreme, they are unable to control it. They often worry for days or weeks in advance of a situation they are dreading. This illness most often starts in childhood or the teenage years, and may run in families. Women are just as likely as men to develop social phobia. Other anxiety disorders or depression often go hand-in-hand with this phobia. Some people also turn to alcohol or drugs for relief.

Symptoms of social phobia
 - Intense fear that you will do or say something and embarrass yourself in front of other people.

 - Always being afraid of making a mistake and being watched and judged by other people.

 - Avoiding doing things you want to or speaking to people because you fear being embarrassed.

 - Worrying for days or weeks before you have to meet new people.

 - Blushing, sweating, trembling, nausea, or feeling sick before and during an event where you are with new people.

 - Staying away from social situations such as school events and making speeches.

 - Drinking alcohol to make your fears go away.

People who have social phobias most often know that their fears don't make sense. But, even if they manage to face what they fear, they can still feel anxious and uncomfortable. Social phobias can be treated, helping a person have a full and healthy life. Not getting treatment can cause a person to make decisions that will affect their personal life.

How can hypnotherapy help overcome phobias? 
Social phobias are often childhood fears that were never outgrown. In certain instances they may develop after a traumatic event such as being embarrassed in front of the class at school or maybe continual put-downs from a parent, in other words, as a result of conditioning. Regression Hypnotherapy will allow a person to remember that particular event and review it with 'adult' eyes this time around. This will then allow them to interpret the event correctly and it will no longer be an issue for them.