Can This Be The Magical Cure For Social Anxiety?

 
Social Anxiety is like being shy only it runs deeper than that.

To be shy might mean you blush, or you're too shy to raise your hand in class.

If you have social anxiety, you will not only blush, but you might get an overwhelming fear of the social situation you are attending.

There are several self-help methods to overcome social anxiety and/or just being shy, but I've found one more that looks very promising.

It's part of a Calming Collection.   Goodbye Anxiety, Goodbye Fear is a motivational and hypnosis CD.

I get skeptical when I see the word hypnosis, but this CD just might be the ticket.

The product description reads:

GOODBYE ANXIETY, GOODBYE FEAR is the third in the highly acclaimed Calming Collection Series. This CD includes four tracks: The first is called general fears, and is a very powerful tool , through the use of hypnosis, visualization, and imaginal exposure, to help eliminate and extinguish a wide variety of fears and phobias, including fear of public speaking, medical situations, relationships, confrontations and many other types of fears and phobias one might have. The second track is for fear of flying. The third track for fear of driving. Even if one doesn't have driving or flying issues, it can be useful to listen to the entire CD, as it provides additional reinforcement of the general concepts of relaxation and empowerment in challenging situations. The fourth track is a meditation component, to help one train one's mind to quickly release the thoughts that generate anxiety and fear. The Calming Collection provides simple direct solutions for dramatically reducing anxiety and with frequent use there is a lasting effect. These programs use the concept of hypno-meditation and were designed by Roberta Shapiro, M.Ed, a leading specialist in the field of anxiety management. There were formulated as a more rapid and helpful way to manage anxiety. Roberta Shapiro is a renowned psychotherapist in private practice in Florida, as well as a member of the American Society of Clinical Hypnosis, The National Board of Certified Clinical Hypnotherapists, the American Psychotherapy and Medical Hypnosis Association and Marquis Who's Who in American Women. She is the author of Birth Pains, and the first CD in the Calming Collection SLEEP SOLUTIONS, and the second in the series, GOODBYE WORRIES.

But more than the description, the reviews by actual people using this CD are great!   And, these are verified buyers, which mean they have actually purchased and used this CD.

Some of the comments range from overcoming their fear of driving and flying, overcoming social anxiety, they conquered being shy, and more.

Take a look for yourself.  Check out Goodbye Anxiety, Goodbye Fear and the customer reviews.  I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Good luck in conquering your Anxiety Madness!

What Is Social Anxiety?

This is a 28 minute video explaining exactly what Social Anxiety is and is not.

Dr. Granet is talking with Dr. Murray Stein who is a professor of psychiatry at the University of California.

These two discuss the differences between social anxiety and simple shyness.

The video is called Health Matters: What Is Social Anxiety Disorder? Enjoy!

Gene Linked To Shyness?

So, there's a gene linked to shyness now? You mean it's not just all in our mind?

CBS News is reporting that there has been a gene discovered by scientists that is linked to shyness in children and introversion in adults. The report goes on to say that they conducted three experiments involving kids, college students and young adults.

The gene is called RGS2, and these experiments showed a variation in the gene in the shy or introverted people. Although shyness and introversion aren't anxiety disorders, I found this study interesting because shyness and introversion can lead to anxiety disorders. Social Anxiety in particular.

You can read the full report HERE.

Shy Child? You Could Be Wrong!

Are you sure you just have a shy child? You could be wrong! Your shy child could actually have social anxiety. Well- meaning parents and teachers often over-look the signs of social anxiety in children, or attribute them to something else... shyness, lazy, tired, etc.

If your child seems very shy, you really need to start paying closer attention, and asking a lot of questions. If it is something deeper, you will want to take some form of action immediately to help your child.

Some signs are a little more obvious that your shy child has something more, like:

• Consistently not speaking in front of class or in any other social situation
• Consistently getting physically sick before any social situation
• Making up excuses to avoid any social situation

Some signs are not clear that your child is more than just shy, like:

• Consistently missing lunch at school (fear of eating in front of others)
• Poor report card comments due to no participation in class (fear of answering questions, etc)
• Poor grades (fear of asking the teacher for help)

You really need to talk to your child and ask a lot of questions. Really listen to the answers, and don't dismiss it as just having a shy child when it looks like it could be a form of social anxiety.

So, are you sure you just have a shy child? Can you, at the stake of your child, afford to be wrong?

Social Anxiety, Shyness, and Other Conditions Definitions

Let’s take a look at some definitions of terms and conditions that are commonly used together. Although this post is not for the purpose of self-diagnosis, rather to inform you of some condition you may be experiencing.

Social Anxiety
5.3 million adult Americans suffer from social anxiety. Wikipedia.com’s definition of social anxiety is an experience of fear, apprehension or worry regarding social situations and being evaluated by others. It’s also sometimes described as "crippling shyness." Many people that have social anxiety have had it all of their lives.

Shyness
According to wikipedia.com, the definition of shyness is “a feeling of insecurity or awkwardness that certain people experience while being among others, talking with others, asking favors of others, etc.”

Depression
There are several types of depression, but it basically means being sad or down for more than a few weeks at a time. Depression can be made manifest by lack of energy, and motivation interest in normally pleasurable activities.

Low Self-Esteem
Low self-esteem is seeing yourself in a negative way. It can lead to shyness and depression. Not all people who suffer from low self-esteem are shy, however. Many people try to hide their low self-esteem by being funny, talkative, and loud.

Avoidant Personality Disorder
Avoidant personality disorder, according to wikipedia.com, is a personality disorder characterized by a pervasive pattern of social inhibition, feelings of inadequacy, extreme sensitivity to negative evaluation and avoidance of social interaction. People with avoidant personality disorder often consider themselves to be socially inept or personally unappealing, and avoid social interaction for fear of being ridiculed, humiliated, or disliked. They typically present themselves as loners and report feeling a sense of alienation from society.

Generalized anxiety disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is an anxiety disorder that is characterized by excessive, uncontrollable and often irrational worry about everyday things, which is disproportionate to the actual source of worry. This excessive worry often interferes with daily functioning, as individuals suffering GAD typically catastrophize, anticipate disaster, and are overly concerned about everyday matters such as health issues, money, family problems, or work difficulties. They often exhibit a variety of physical symptoms, including fatigue, headaches, muscle tension, muscle aches, difficulty swallowing, trembling, twitching, irritability, sweating, and hot flashes. These symptoms must be consistent and on-going, persisting at least 6 months, for a formal diagnosis of GAD to be introduced. Approximately 6.8 million American adults experience GAD, affecting about twice as many women as men.

For further information, visit wikipedia.com