Supporting A Family Member With Social Anxiety Disorder
When someone in your family is diagnosed with a social anxiety disorder, it may have come after a prolonged period of intense strain. Social anxiety disorder is perhaps one of the least detected mental health issues, and sufferers can go for months or years without seeking assistance. During this time the family relationship has been sorely tested, and there may be feelings of resentment or guilt in the family.
If your spouse is diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, you may feel some resentment as it can affect your own relationship with the outside world. Your spouse will have perhaps withdrawn from social situations, and is unwilling or unable to accompany you to any social activities like parties or family gatherings.
You may feel embarrassment at having to turn down invitations, and begin to blame your spouse for your own increasing isolation. If the sufferer is your child, then strong feelings of guilt or blaming yourself can occur, as you try to understand what you may have done to affect your child in such a way.
Anger, guilt and resentment are perfectly normal, but you should take pains to try and manage these feelings. They are detrimental to your health, and can impede your loved one's recovery by intensifying their feelings of isolation and social anxiety.
This does not mean you must resign yourself to be a silent partner, but you should think about taking care of yourself as well as them. This will be a stressful time for you.
Take some time for yourself. Keep up your outside interests, and continue to go to social gatherings. This will keep your spirits up and will be your support network. Set aside feelings of guilt – it is not your fault that your loved one has developed social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is a result of psychological and biological factors that you cannot control.
If it all becomes too much for you, seek out a support group or family counseling. Counseling and support groups are full of people who are going through or have dealt with the same stressful situation you are in, and can be a great source of tips and empathy.
Above all, look after your own stress and health levels, and you will be in the best position to help your family member cope with their anxiety issues.
If your spouse is diagnosed with social anxiety disorder, you may feel some resentment as it can affect your own relationship with the outside world. Your spouse will have perhaps withdrawn from social situations, and is unwilling or unable to accompany you to any social activities like parties or family gatherings.
You may feel embarrassment at having to turn down invitations, and begin to blame your spouse for your own increasing isolation. If the sufferer is your child, then strong feelings of guilt or blaming yourself can occur, as you try to understand what you may have done to affect your child in such a way.
Anger, guilt and resentment are perfectly normal, but you should take pains to try and manage these feelings. They are detrimental to your health, and can impede your loved one's recovery by intensifying their feelings of isolation and social anxiety.
This does not mean you must resign yourself to be a silent partner, but you should think about taking care of yourself as well as them. This will be a stressful time for you.
Take some time for yourself. Keep up your outside interests, and continue to go to social gatherings. This will keep your spirits up and will be your support network. Set aside feelings of guilt – it is not your fault that your loved one has developed social anxiety disorder. Social anxiety disorder is a result of psychological and biological factors that you cannot control.
If it all becomes too much for you, seek out a support group or family counseling. Counseling and support groups are full of people who are going through or have dealt with the same stressful situation you are in, and can be a great source of tips and empathy.
Above all, look after your own stress and health levels, and you will be in the best position to help your family member cope with their anxiety issues.