Social Anxiety Disorder [15 Million Strong – You’re Not Alone]

You have probably experienced social anxiety sometime in your life whether you are at a family get-together or giving a presentation to strangers at work.

Let me tell you something that you didn’t know.

15 million Americans (the equivalent to the population of North and South Carolina combined,) suffer from Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), you and them don’t have to…

Below is an infographic that explains why:

Now, let me break down this infographic for you.

1.) A lot of people have social anxiety disorder. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), 15 million Americans suffer from social anxiety disorder, which is about 7% of the population.

Not only do a lot of people suffer throughout the year…

2.) Social anxiety is worse during the holidays. According to a 2015 survey by Joyable, 54% of adult Americans suffer social anxiety during the holidays. And a whopping 70% of millennials (ages 18-29) report social anxiety during this time.

3.) Sufferers procrastinate on getting help. According to a 2007 survey by ADAA, 36% report having symptoms 10 or more years before seeking treatment.

Here’s the good and bad part:

4.) Psychotherapy works. According to a 2012 study in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, follow-ups at 2 years and 10 years of patients that received cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) showed that therapy was effective and durable.

5.) Psychotherapy without medication is very effective. According to a 2016 study at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology and the University of Manchester in England, cognitive therapy alone with no medication resulted in nearly 85% of the participants significantly improved or completely healthy. They found that drugs camouflage the problem.

6.) Sadly, many people do not seek counseling or psychotherapy. According to VR Fitness Insider, only a third of SAD sufferers seek treatment. According to ADAA, anxiety disorders (not just SAD) are highly treatable, yet only 36.9% of those suffering receive treatment.

So, if you are suffering from social anxiety, don’t wait to seek help. Find a counselor who uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or cognitive therapy (CT) and schedule an appointment today! Need some ideas on how to cope with your anxiety? Try these.