Book Review: Social Courage:  Coping & Thriving With the Reality of Social Anxiety

“Most people who feel trapped by shyness or social anxiety will settle with the status quo and never seek help, be it from a knowledgeable therapist or from finding a scientifically based self-guided program and tackling it on their own,” writes Dr. Eric Goodman. Instead, social anxiety becomes a sort of silent suffering that is endured for years, coloring the way we think, interact, and feel when around other people. Yet, the idea that social anxiety is a disease that needs to be cured is just one of the many myths that often keeps us from getting help. In his new book, Social Courage: Coping and Thriving With the Reality of Social Anxiety, Dr. Eric Goodman offers a different look at social anxiety — as something that is part of the normal human condition and something we can find freedom from. “You may feel that social anxiety makes you wrong, broken, or defective. Instead, I’d like you to think that it is your birthright. Rather than it setting you apart from your fellow humans, it is actually something that ties you together with the broader human race,” writes Goodman. Often it is our response to the feelings of social anxiety that turns normal anxiety into a phobia. Paradoxically, the more we think we shouldn’t have social anxiety, the more discomfort it causes. “Much of my professional life is spent working with teens and adults who are extremely concerned about their social anxiety. Most of them are wishing for the day when their anxiety leaves th...
Source: Psych Central - Category: Psychiatry Authors: Tags: Anxiety Book Reviews Disorders General Habits Loneliness Memory and Perception Mindfulness Motivation and Inspiration Psychology Self-Esteem Self-Help Social Phobia books on social anxiety social anxiety book social courage Source Type: news