The really frustrating thing about social anxiety is that it’s such an all-pervading disorder it’s very difficult to treat. If you read some of the literature, you’ll learn that simple phobias such as a fear of heights or flying, are much easier to treat. A common approach to treatment, using cognitive behavioural therapy, might be first just learning more about the REAL dangers of flying, and becoming more aware of how irrational the fear is. You could then combine this with some exposure, moving up a gradual hierarchy that eventually gets you to the final goal. Imagine flying. Go to the airport and spend a couple of hours just watching planes take off and land. Get in a flight simulator for a couple of hours. And pretty soon most people will be flying and basically cured of the problem. Read the rest of this entry »
