If you or a loved one have social anxiety or generalized anxiety, we offer both social anxiety and general anxiety treatment in San Diego, California. Contact True Life Center at 858.202.1822 today to learn more about our specialized treatment plans. We would love to get you started on your journey toward emotional wellness. Our dedicated team of mental health professionals is committed to providing compassionate and individualized care and support. We understand that anxiety can be a difficult condition to manage, but with the right treatment plan, you or your loved one can regain control of your life.

What Is Generalized Anxiety? 

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by excessive worrying that disrupts daily life. People with GAD often worry about everyday activities such as work, school, health, relationships, or finances. This worrying can cause physical symptoms such as:

• Headaches
• Nausea
• Sleep disturbances
• Body aches and pains
• Fatigue
• Muscle tension
• Trembling or shaking

Other common signs of GAD include difficulty concentrating or controlling worry; restlessness; irritability; feeling on edge; being easily startled; and panic attacks. 

What Is Social Anxiety? 

Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. People with SAD may feel anxious about the following:

• Interacting with others at work or school
• Attending parties or other gatherings
• Speaking in public
• Using public restrooms
• Eating out in restaurants
• Meeting new people
• Being assertive during conversations
• Initiating conversations with strangers

Physical signs of SAD include rapid heartbeat, blushing, sweating profusely, trembling or shaking, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea due to fear of embarrassment in social situations. 

Generalized Anxiety vs. Social Anxiety

When it comes to generalized anxiety vs. social anxiety, there are a few key differences:

• Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying about everyday activities, while social anxiety is an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
• Generalized anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances, body aches and pains, fatigue, and muscle tension.
• Social anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, blushing, sweating profusely, trembling or shaking, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea.
• Generalized anxiety is more pervasive and can cause difficulty in controlling worry, restlessness, irritability, feeling on edge, being easily startled, and panic attacks.
• Social anxiety can cause difficulty initiating conversations, being assertive in conversations, and maintaining eye contact. 

At True Life Center, we understand the complexity of anxiety disorders. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support every step of the way. We specialize in unique treatment plans that address both generalized anxiety and social anxiety.

Social Anxiety vs. Generalized Anxiety: Find Relief at True Life Center

Understanding the differences between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) can help you better understand your own experiences with anxiety—or those of a loved one—and seek the proper treatment options available. At True Life Center in San Diego, California, our specialized staff is trained to develop personalized treatment plans based on each individual’s needs. 

If you need help managing generalized anxiety or social anxiety, contact True Life Center at 858.202.1822 today to get started on your journey toward emotional well-being. We are committed to helping you or your loved one find the support and resources needed for a lasting recovery.

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What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?

People living with social anxiety disorder are living with a condition that affects millions of people around the world. Social anxiety disorder is more than simply being shy or reserved; symptoms can range from moderate to severe and can have varying levels of impact on the lives of people living with social anxiety disorder.

Some of the symptoms of social anxiety disorder are:

• Finding it difficult, sometimes even impossible, to speak to strangers, go into situations with new people, or interact with others even when you want or need to
• Physical symptoms like blushing, rapid heart rate, or trembling
• Speaking in an overly quiet voice or stumbling over words because of anxiety
• Becoming nauseous or unable to think clearly
• Worrying that others will judge or dislike you
• Avoiding social situations even when it is detrimental to do so

Three Skills to Develop That Will Help You Cope With Social Anxiety

1. Identify what kinds of situations trigger anxiety. The first step to learning to cope with social anxiety is gaining a better understanding of what situations are most and least triggering. This skill will help you feel more prepared for the situations you do encounter.
2. Practice ahead of time when you can. Especially if you know a situation might trigger feelings of intense anxiety, practice what will happen and what you will say or do. This can make a big difference if you are prone to ‘going blank’ or becoming tongue-tied in social situations.
3. Set yourself up for success by trying out your social skills in low-stakes situations. In order to build confidence, it is important to gain some experience with social interactions. Try out some simple interactions as you go about your daily life. Say ‘hi, how are you?’ to the person at the grocery checkout, or ‘I like your shirt’ to the receptionist at work.

Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment Can Help

Developing some coping skills on your own is a great first step, but many people find that they need some extra help for social anxiety disorder. Finding a therapist or treatment program meant to help people living with social anxiety disorder can make a huge difference in daily life. As mentioned above, social anxiety disorder is a real mental health condition that can be helped by receiving treatment from a professional with experience in it. There are many types of therapy and counseling that are proven to help people living with the condition.

True Life Center Offers Treatment for Social Anxiety Disorder

At our treatment center in San Diego, we offer programs and counseling for people living with social anxiety disorder. Our experienced clinicians understand what it takes to help our clients manage their symptoms and start doing the things they want to do in life. You do not have to deal with social anxiety on your own. Reach out to our caring and compassionate staff today at 858.202.1822 and learn how we can help you defeat social anxiety and start living the life you were meant to enjoy.

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If you or someone in your life is struggling with social anxiety, contact our True Life Center team today. Our San Diego clinic helps people strengthen their mind-body connection and heal from addiction and co-occurring disorders in our social anxiety disorder treatment program. Learn more about ways to help you overcome social anxiety by calling us today at 858.202.1822 or completing our online contact form.

6 Ways to Help You Overcome Social Anxiety

1. Reduce Caffeine and Food Allergens

Caffeine and food sensitivities can put the body into a state of stress. Stimulants and allergens automatically trigger fight, flight, and freeze responses. This can make it difficult to know what’s a real threat and what isn’t.

2. Practice Mindfulness

Mindfulness, meditation, and present moment awareness can slow the heart and promote a state of calm. Try mindfulness exercises before and during social situations.

3. Practice Public Speaking

If your anxiety is triggered by speaking to others, practice public speaking at home. Start with recording yourself, talking to family, or talking to pets. Gradually building towards social situations can promote a sense of safety and calm while easing pressure.

4. Maintain Proper Sleep Hygiene and Eat a Healthy Diet

Balanced nutrition and sufficient sleep can reduce stress and anxiety. Talk to a nutritionist or doctor about your essential nutrient needs and practice good sleep hygiene to rest well at night.

5. Get Outside

Studies show time in nature helps regulate the nervous system. Vitamin D and endorphins from exercise can also balance chemicals in the brain and reduce anxiety. Social obligations outdoors can be a great way to stay calm and feel safe, reducing anxiety.

6. Ask for Help

Cognitive-behavioral therapy is an evidence-based way to reduce social anxiety. Asking a therapist for help can be one of the best steps towards reducing anxiety and understanding your needs or limits. A social anxiety treatment plan can help lower general levels of anxiety and help people feel supported.

What Are Symptoms of Social Anxiety?

Anxiety is a physical, mental, and emotional state during which the body enters fight, flight, or freeze mode. When a person experiences anxiety, their nervous system is in a state of dysregulation.

This can cause symptoms such as:

• Restlessness
• Physical and mental tension
• Fear of impending danger
• Increased heart rate
• Hyperventilation
• Excessive sweating
• Worry
• Trouble concentrating

Once anxiety is triggered, it can be difficult for the body to re-regulate into a safe state. When a person experiences social anxiety, their anxiety is triggered by social situations. Sometimes these situations are real, other times they are imagined. When a person imagines going to a party or out on a date, it can trigger their anxiety.

Other anxiety triggers include:

• Food allergies or sensitivities
• Financial stress
• Unhealed trauma
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Undiagnosed mental health disorders
• Prolonged stress

Social anxiety is increasingly common. For many, the added pressures of social media can enhance fear of failure and the need to succeed in social situations. This pressure can trigger anxiety as an unrealistic threat to their overall well-being.

Learn to Cope with Social Anxiety Treatment at True Life Center

Social anxiety is common and treatable. If you or someone in your life needs support, True Life Center can help. Our social anxiety treatment center supports mental health and addiction recovery in beautiful San Diego. Our patients experience neurological integration for successful recovery. With our programs, clients at True Life Center enjoy the calming, soothing environment they deserve for their recovery. To learn more about our trauma-informed programs and how we treat social anxiety, fill out our online form or call us today at 858.202.1822.

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