IN-PERSON APPOINTMENTS IN ST. PETERSBURG & VIRTUAL APPOINTMENTS THROUGHOUT FLORIDA
Social Anxiety Disorder
What is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social Anxiety Disorder is characterized by a significant and persistent fear of social or performance situations in which the person fears being scrutinized, judged, or negatively evaluated by others. This fear is often centered on the idea of acting in a way (or showing anxiety symptoms, like blushing or trembling) that will be embarrassing or humiliating. The fear is typically out of proportion to the actual threat, leading to avoidance of social situations or enduring them with intense distress.
Common symptoms include:
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Intense fear of interacting with or talking to strangers; concern about appearing awkward or boring.
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Fear of physical symptoms that may be noticeable, such as blushing, sweating, trembling, or having a shaky voice.
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Avoidance of common social situations, like making eye contact, attending parties, eating in front of others, or using public restrooms.
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Significant anxiety about public speaking or performing in front of others.
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Anticipatory anxiety, or intense worry for days, weeks, or even months before a feared social event.
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Spending time after a social situation analyzing your performance and identifying perceived flaws.
Medication Management
Medication can help reduce the intense anxiety associated with this disorder.
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Antidepressants like SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) and SNRIs (Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors): These are considered first-line treatments. They are taken daily to help reduce the baseline level of social anxiety over time.
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Beta-Blockers (e.g., Propranolol): These medications can be particularly helpful for performance anxiety. They are taken on an as-needed basis before a feared event (like public speaking) to block the physical symptoms of anxiety (e.g., racing heart, shaky hands, trembling voice).
Non-Pharmacological Strategies
Therapy is a highly effective way to gain long-term skills for managing social anxiety.
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is the gold standard therapy for social anxiety. It helps you identify and challenge the negative, distorted beliefs you hold about yourself and others in social situations. A key component is exposure therapy, which involves gradually and safely facing feared social situations in a structured way to build confidence and reduce avoidance.
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Social Skills Training: This can be part of CBT and involves practicing skills like starting conversations, maintaining eye contact, and being assertive.
Our Approach: Your Partner in Your Mental Wellness Journey
As a PMHNP-BC, my practice is built on a foundation of respect and collaboration.
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Shared Decision-Making: You are the expert on your own life and experiences. My role is to provide the expert knowledge on diagnoses and treatments. Together, we will review all the options—medication, therapy, lifestyle changes—and decide on a path forward that feels right for you.
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Medication as a Tool, Not a Crutch: Medication can be an incredibly effective tool to "turn down the volume" on your symptoms, allowing you to engage more fully in therapy and daily life. My goal is always to find the lowest effective dose for the shortest necessary time.
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A Holistic View: My focus is not only on pills. We may also discuss sleep, nutrition, exercise, and other stress-reduction techniques. These non-pharmacological strategies can be essential for long-term, sustainable wellness.
Take the First Step Toward Relief
You don't have to manage your symptoms alone. If you're ready to explore a comprehensive, collaborative approach to mental wellness, I invite you to schedule online below.
