How an Emotional Support Dog Helps in Relieving Social Anxiety?

 

Do you get overly conscious in a large crowd of people? or find it difficult to interact with other people in a social gathering?

If yes, then you might be suffering from social anxiety. 

Social anxiety is a common mental disorder that affects about 15 million Americans. It can last for years or even a lifetime if untreated. Fear and distress linked with social anxiety issues can directly affect your everyday activities and hamper the quality of your life.

However, frequent interactions with an emotional support dog or having one in your household can help relieve the symptoms of social anxiety naturally. Dogs provide an array of mental health benefits, and can help you get over your social phobia.

Let us have a closer look into this.

What is Social Anxiety?

Social anxiety is a mental health condition which causes an irrational discomfort and anxiety upon interaction with other people. Individuals with social anxiety disorder may find it awkward to attend social gatherings, and face a fear of being judged or negatively evaluated in a performance situation. They can experience elevated stress and anxiety when confronted with such circumstances.

Symptoms of Social Anxiety

People with social anxiety issues can experience strong psychological and physical symptoms when exposed to a performance situation or a social event.

Psychological Symptoms

• Excessive worrying over social situations
• Worrying days/weeks before the social event
• Worrying over possible embarrassing situations
• Missing work or school due to social phobia
• Leaning towards alcohol or substance use to face social situations

Physical Symptoms

• Difficulty in speaking 
• Excessive sweating
• Shaking or trembling 
• Increased heart rate
• Dizziness or weakness

People With Social Anxiety May Feel Overly Anxiety in Situations Such as:

• Job interview
• Being asked a question
• Shopping
• Eating in Public places
• Taking on phone
• Performance situation
• Social Event

Role of an Emotional Support Dog in the Treatment of Social Anxiety Disorder

Companionship of an emotional support dog can be a big support for people suffering from social phobia. Dogs are outgoing creatures and can help you break the ice in social scenarios. 

Check out these points to find out how an emotional support dog can help you get over your social anxiety issues:

• Dogs can get you out of the house. Research says that people who have a dog in their household are more likely to go for morning walks. It’s not just a great way to stay healthy but also creates an opportunity to interact with other people who are out there for the same reason. 
• Research suggests that, interacting or hugging your dog releases oxytocin in your brain, which is linked with improving social bonding. It not only improves the dog-owner bonding but would also help with your interactions and relations with other people.
• Unconditional love and support of emotional support dogs can help in reducing stress by releasing healthy neurotransmitters such as dopamine and serotonin in the brain. This would help you maintain a better overall mental health and build your confidence which would reflect in your social behavior.

If you are facing any such issues, get in touch with your local mental health practitioner through My ESA Doctor, and consider getting an emotional support animal home. Apply for your ESA letter online and naturally get over your social phobia with the support of your ESA dog.