Coping with Social Anxiety Disorder

Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Therapy in Toronto

What is Social Anxiety Disorder?

Social anxiety disorder, or social phobia, is when an individual experiences an intense fear of social or performance situations. It is generally an overwhelming fear of being judged by others in social situations, being humiliated due to anxiety-related symptoms, or being the center of attention. Fortunately, there are many effective virtual and in-person treatments and therapies in Toronto that can help children cope in anxiety-inducing situations.

What are Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder?

Children with social anxiety disorder may show the following symptoms:

• Physical symptoms:

  • Increased heart rate, rapid breathing

  • Dizziness, lightheadedness

  • Upset stomach, nausea

  • Feeling like their mind goes “blank”

  • Sweating, trembling

• Have a rigid body posture, make little eye contact

• Speak with overly soft voice

• Tend to re-live past situations and often criticize themselves

• Fear of humiliating themselves

• Experience anxiety in anticipation of an event

• Sensitivity to criticism

• Avoiding common social situations or talking to people

• Clinging to parents

• Crying, temper tantrums

How to Support Children with Social Anxiety Disorder?

• For communication:

  • Have frequent check-ins to ensure understanding of the material

  • Provide verbal or nonverbal cues before transitions

• For social skills:

  • Use role-playing to teach problem-solving skills

  • Use structured activities, small groups, or assigned partner-activities to ensure the child is included

• For emotional regulation:

  • Provide a cool down/quiet zone that the child can go to when they feel overwhelmed

  • Teach the child self-regulation strategies to help calm them (i.e. deep breathing, muscle relaxation)

Social Anxiety Disorder Support for Families

For individuals and families in Toronto struggling with social anxiety disorder, there are a variety of in-person and virtual treatments that may be beneficial, including:

• Child anxiety programs and groups

• Cognitive behavioural therapy

• Social skills training

• Emotional regulation training

• Exposure therapy

• Play therapy

• Parent anxiety programs and groups

• Online anxiety programs