Social AnxietySocial Anxiety
Mental Health Matters
Dive into the causes and solutions for social anxiety with Liz Lang and Dr. Mark Burton. Explore overthinking, societal pressures, and effective treatments.
36:47•5 Jan 2023
Understanding & Combating Social Anxiety
Episode Overview
- Social anxiety often leads to overanalyzing situations.
- Genetic markers can influence serotonin production affecting anxiety.
- Social media sets unrealistic expectations, especially for teens.
- Effective treatments include psychotherapy and SSRIs.
- Introversion and extroversion are not binary traits.
“Acknowledge and accept that you can't control other people.”
In this episode of Mental Health Matters, host Liz Lang and guest Dr. Mark Burton delve into the complexities of social anxiety and its broader impacts. They begin by discussing how social anxiety can lead individuals to overanalyze situations, seeking control and solutions to avoid discomfort in future social interactions. This overanalyzing behavior, while intended to calm anxiety, often exacerbates it, creating a cycle that can be difficult to break. Dr.
Burton notes that there is a genetic component to social anxiety, with some individuals struggling to produce serotonin consistently, which can heighten anxiety levels. This insight is crucial for understanding that social anxiety may not solely be a result of upbringing or trauma, but also has a biological basis. The conversation shifts to the impact of societal expectations and social media, particularly on teenagers.
The Netflix documentary 'The Social Dilemma' is recommended as it highlights the pressures to conform to idealized standards of beauty and perfection. These pressures can significantly contribute to social anxiety, as individuals constantly compare themselves and feel inadequate. Dr. Burton and Liz Lang emphasize that introversion and extroversion are not binary traits; society often undervalues introverts, which can lead to further anxiety. The episode explores various treatment options for social anxiety, including psychotherapy and medication such as SSRIs.
While skeptical about the efficacy of SSRIs, Dr. Burton suggests that a combination of medication and therapy often yields the best outcomes. Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) are recommended as they can provide both medication and therapeutic support. Listeners are encouraged to practice self-compassion and not blame themselves for their anxiety, understanding that it can be managed effectively with proper support.
The episode concludes with a teaser for next week's topic on sensory processing disorder, promising more insights into mental health challenges.
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