Social Anxiety Disorder

Recognizing and addressing the fear of social situations and judgment.

Today we’re diving into a topic that many kids and teens face: Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD). If you’re a parent or caregiver, you might have noticed that your child seems extra anxious about social situations, especially after the isolation many experienced during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s perfectly normal for kids to feel nervous about meeting new people or speaking in front of others, but for some, this anxiety can become overwhelming.

Social Anxiety Disorder involves a deep fear of being judged or embarrassed in social settings. Your child might dread events like birthday parties, school presentations, or even just eating in front of others. They might worry so much about what others think that it stops them from enjoying activities they once loved.

In this module, we’ll talk about what SAD looks like, explore some of the underlying reasons why it develops, and share practical ways you can support your child. The goal is to create a safe space for them to express their feelings and slowly build their confidence in social situations.

Thank you for joining me on this journey. Together, we can help your child navigate their experiences with social anxiety and find their way back to feeling comfortable and connected with others. Let’s get started!

Common Pain Points

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Intense Fear of Social Situations

Children with social anxiety disorder have a deep fear of social situations where they might be judged or embarrassed. This fear can include speaking in public, eating in front of others, or even interacting with peers, leading to avoidance or distress.

Physical Symptoms

Social anxiety often manifests physically, with children blushing, sweating, trembling, or even crying in stressful situations. This increases their fear that others will notice their anxiety, creating a cycle of fear and avoidance.

Avoidance of Social Activities

To avoid the perceived threat of embarrassment, children might withdraw from social activities, including school events, family gatherings, or simply playing with friends. Over time, this avoidance can deepen their fear and further isolate them.

A word from our Families

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Shayda M.

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Module Benefits

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Learn to Open Up Conversations

Parents will learn how to ask the right questions to start open and supportive conversations about their child's social fears. This can help children feel understood and safe in expressing their anxieties.

Understand and Validate Your Child's Fears

By listening to your child without dismissing or minimizing their fears, you create a safe space for them to explore their anxieties. This understanding helps break down the overwhelming nature of social anxiety.

Support Your Child in Facing Social Situations Gradually

You'll learn how to help your child face their social fears in manageable steps. By addressing the fear directly, you empower your child to take action and build confidence in social situations.

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