How to Support Someone With Social Anxiety Disorder

Social anxiety disorder is a very common mental condition, but it is often misunderstood and minimized by non-sufferers and people outside the mental-health profession. Many people mistake social anxiety for simple shyness rather than a real and debilitating condition. This can cause sufferers to retreat from society and experience more isolation. If you know someone with social anxiety disorder, your support can be an integral part of her treatment. Before you can offer support, however, you first have to educate yourself.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Patience
• Understanding

Help Someone Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

1. Research the condition. There is a wealth of information in books and online about social anxiety disorder. Take the time to learn as much as you can about symptoms of the disorder and ways to treat it.
2. Offer your understanding to your friend or family member. Simply acknowledging that you know your friend has a medical condition, not just a negative personality trait, can be validating and supportive.
3. Praise achievements. When you see someone with social anxiety disorder taking positive steps to cope with and overcome his condition, commend him for it. Positive reinforcement can go a long way.
4. Accommodate yourself to situations that your friend of family member can handle. Rather than forcing your friend to go to dinner at a busy restaurant, settle for a quiet lunch at an out-of-the-way cafe, for instance. It's easier for you to adapt to her level of comfort than vice versa.
5. Treat your friend like you always did. People with social anxiety disorder are already extremely sensitive to how others treat and judge them. Treating them differently will only support their negative feelings and beliefs about themselves.
6. Offer to do some of the tasks that are overwhelming to the sufferer. Everyday tasks, like going to the grocery store, can cause people with social anxiety disorder great panic. Helping them with these tasks can free them from the anxiety, so they can focus on treatment.

Tips & Warnings

• Be patient with your friend or family member. People with social anxiety disorder recognize that their behavior is irrational. It's just hard for them change it.
• Never force someone who sufferers from social anxiety disorder into a situation that causes distress. This can cause the condition to worsen, and the sufferer may seek isolation from you and society.
• Don't expect someone with social anxiety disorder to get better right away. Treatment often takes years, and many sufferers never fully overcome their conditions.