How Online Therapy Helps People With Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is a condition that causes people to feel anxious when interacting with others. This anxiety isn’t the same as the anxiety we all feel at times; instead, social anxiety significantly interferes with an individual’s daily life. Many people struggle with public speaking, but social anxiety doesn’t necessarily have to do with performance-based issues. There are instances where people with the condition are scared to make and maintain friendships. They could struggle to attend family events and can make excuses for why they can’t make it. Social anxiety is a challenge, and online therapy can help. Here’s how online counseling can support those with social anxiety.
A person with social anxiety doesn’t have to leave their home for online therapy
Some people with social anxiety struggle with leaving their home or safe space. Some people with social anxiety prefer to see an online therapist because they can control the environment they get support in, which matters to them. Feeling safe during therapy is a big deal. It can help individuals get treatment because those with social anxiety may be afraid to step foot in a therapist’s office. That’s where online therapy is unique; those with social anxiety don’t have to leave their home to get mental health treatment.
Online therapy is versatile
When you have social anxiety, you may struggle to communicate with others. During online therapy, a person with social anxiety can talk to their therapist through video chat, phone, or chatting through messenger. Some people who have social anxiety prefer to text or chat rather than talk face-to-face. Other people with social anxiety like to talk on the phone rather than video chat. It’s also possible that they prefer to see a therapist on video because it makes them feel more secure. Online therapy is versatile, and a person with social anxiety can do what works for them to communicate with their therapist.
A person can get help for their social anxiety on their own time
Social anxiety is a challenging condition because you may feel being around people is overwhelming or even scary. The reality is that you don’t have to rush into social situations. When you engage in online therapy, it’s in the privacy of your home, so it might be easier to talk about social anxiety symptoms. You probably feel more comfortable in your house, which makes therapy more effective. Remember that this is your treatment, and you can take things slow with an online therapist. An online counselor is patient and won’t force you to open up to them right away. A remote counselor understands that many people with social anxiety struggle to communicate, taking it slow. You may start by texting your therapist and then move up gradually toward talking on the phone or video chat. An online therapist can be patient with their clients, particularly if they have social anxiety or trauma. They can also help individuals with this condition learn to leave their houses and support them by teaching coping strategies for agoraphobia and social anxiety.
Learn more about social anxiety
There’s a common expression “knowledge is power.” When you know more about social anxiety, you can learn to decrease symptoms. You can find out about the condition and how online therapy can help you. There are many places online where you can learn about social anxiety. One hub for mental health knowledge is My Therapist. My Therapist provides medically-reviewed articles about therapy, and can also connect you with an online therapist. The more you know about therapy, the better chance you have of getting the support you need. Once you learn coping skills for social anxiety, you’ll be able to live a more fulfilling life and find ways to make and maintain friendships. Online therapy could help you with these concerns.
Marie Miguel has been a writing and research expert for nearly a decade, covering a variety of health- related topics. Currently, she is contributing to the expansion and growth of a free online mental health resource with MyTherapist.com. With an interest and dedication to addressing stigmas associated with mental health, she continues to specifically target subjects related to anxiety and depression.