Eating Disorder: A mental health problems

Posted on by skjha196

Eating Disorders is a serious health problem nowadays. Millions of people suffer from this disorder. It involves an unhealthy relationship with food.

It has a significant physical and emotional impact on the person affected and their families.

There are various types of eating disorders such as binge eating disorders, bulimia nervosa, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders.

It is more common in young adults and adolescents.

Eating Disorders are spreading rapidly almost affecting 5 in every 100 people and about 1 in 10 people experience these disorders in their lifetime.

Some people experiences as

1) extreme dissatisfaction with the body

2) concern about appearance, food and gaining weight

3) A fear of gaining weight

4) eating makes feel anxious, upset or guilty

5) keep checking the body

6) making the vomit or using a laxative to lose weight

7) not controlling around eating junk food

Types

1) Binge eating disorder – people suffering from this disorder will frequently consume large amounts of food, even when they are not feeling hungry. They feel guilty after an eating binge.

2) Bulimia nervosa- people with this disorder have frequent eating binges, often in secret, then get rid of the food through laxatives, vomiting or using diet pills. They feel often out of control.

3)Anorexia Nervosa- people with this condition can be severely underweight, are preoccupied with food and fear putting on weight. They often have a distorted body image and see themselves as fat. People may create extreme rules and restrictions about their diets and exercise.

Symptoms

1) Dieting- it means fasting, skipping meals, and avoiding certain foods.

2) Binge eating – it includes hoarding food or the disappearance of large amounts of food from the kitchen.

3) Purging- vomiting or using laxatives. people who purge often go to the bathroom or after eating.

4) Excessive exercise – a person may refuse to disrupt their exercise routine for any reason and become distressed if unable to exercise.

5) Social withdrawal – the person likely to avoid social gatherings or situations that involves eating or prefers to eat alone.

6) Anxiety

7) Body image- people may focus on body shape and weight.

8) Depression

9) Substance use disorders

Signs

There are some physical signs that a person may have an eating disorder. such as–

1) weight changes

2) Dizziness- feeling light-headed or faint

3) Fatigue – feeling tiredness

4) Disturbed menstrual cycle – disturbed periods

5) Being cold- sensitivity to cold weather

6) inability to concentrate

Some of the emotional signs

1) obsession with weight

2) Low self-esteem

3) negative emotions

4) mood changes

5) mealtime anxiety

Causes

1) Low self-esteem

2)problems with family or friends

3) problems with work

4) lack of confidence

5) concern about sexual assault or emotional abuse

6) certain stressors like exams, work and relationship

7) traumatic events can trigger are eating disorders, such as the death of someone, bullying, abuse or divorce.

8) someone with a long-time illness or disability ( such as diabetes, depression, hearing loss or vision impairment) may also have eating problems.

Diagnosed

Many people who suffer from an eating disorder keep their condition secret or would not admit that they have a problem like this.

There is no single test to determine whether someone has an eating disorder, but there are some procedures that lead to diagnosis- —

a) physical examination – monitoring height, weight, heart rate, blood pressure etc.

b) Psychological evaluation – talk about eating and body image, habits, behaviours and conditions.

Treatments

Starting treatment as soon as possible because there can be long-term health problems for people with chronic disorders.

Some of the treatments are-

1) counselling – counsellors use different methods to help people with chronic eating disorders. A common method of cognitive behaviour therapy( CBT) helps individuals identify and change their thoughts, and feeling associated with their eating disorder.

2) Dietitian – A dietician can help a person with an eating disorder learn healthy eating habits and return to a normal weight.

3) Family approach – the family approach is the most common when young people are being treated for an eating disorder.

4) Medication – there is no specific medicine for eating disorders. However, anti-depressants are sometimes used to help reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Dr S.k.jha

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Why core muscle strength is so important?

Posted on by skjha196

A strong core helps keep a more upright and erect posture. The core muscles play a huge role in everyday activities like getting out of bed, walking in the market, going to the job etc. So, core muscles are the base of support for the entire body.

Core muscles are found in the obliques, abdominals, lower back and glutes. These four areas of the body are the ones that usually make the posture of a person.so, if the core muscles are physically powerful, they will maintain the balance of the body and will stabilize the system every time the person is working out and moving.

Long hours of reading, working, typing or standing at a workbench take their toll. Acutually calcium deposits in the joints, complete the process of immobilisation. Once, this calcification takes place, nothing can be done to reverse it. As an example, if a person walks in short, slow steps, then mostly we think that the person is old. because the hunched posture gives the clue.

So, as the ageing, we have to take precautions, and older people can take action before it is too late.

The best activities are regular stretching exercises that stretch the muscles and improve the flexibility of the core muscles.

The main responsibility of the core muscles is to provide enough power to the body to enable the physical activity that a person encounters.

So, many fitness workers believe that it is very important to strengthen the core muscles more than other muscles in the body. Strong core muscles can lessen a lot of health problems concerning posture.

Regular stretching exercise surrounds and supports the spine and pelvis and connects the body and lower body, effectively transferring forces from one to the other.

A strong core is very important for our posture. The ab muscles play a dominant role in the movement of every plane of motion as forward and backwards, rotational and left and right positions.

A weak core is the number one risk for potential injuries, especially lower back injuries.

So, Research shows that core strength training can help alleviate lower back pain.

Working on core strengths has numerous benefits from improved posture, balance and movement to pain management and injury prevention.

There are some major functions of the core muscles –

1) contains and protects the internal organs

2) stabilize the top part of the body over the bottom part

3) ensures greater mobility of the spine and trunk

4) control the pelvic-lumbar relationship

So, now we need to do exercise daily.

Dr S.k.jha

Sleep and relaxation

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More than 1/3 of our lives are spent in sleep. In the early years, sleep was looked upon as a waste of time and people who sleep more than 6 hours a day were considered Lazy, and worthless whereas Rishimuni and saints who slept 4-5 hours a day were ecological examples of diligence and hard work.

Researchers show that those who sleep less than 6 hours per day or have a lot of sleep disturbance have a lot of sleep disorders and problems like anxiety, depression, disorientation, mood swings, reduced physical activities and problems with forgetfulness.

Sleep deprivation also affects the heart, blood pressure, brain waves, blood sugar and so on.

Millions of people in this world facing with night problems.

Types of sleep

There are two types of sleep:

1) Rapid eye movement sleep( REM) sleep

2) Non-Rapid Eye movement sleep – it has three stages a) stage 1- it is the changeover wake fullness to sleep.

b) stage 2) – it is a period of light sleep before entering deep sleep.

c) stage 3) – is the period of deep sleep in that people feel relaxed in the morning.

Sleep requirements

Normally, people who sleep 6 hours or less are short sleepers. Adults who sleep 8 hours and more are referred to as long sleepers.

Children average 10 hours up to adolescence and in old age usually people who sleep less than 6 hours , do so due to illness, pain, medication and other reasons. Many healthy elderly individuals sleep the normal 8 hours.

To increase awareness of your body, relax your body and calm your mind

The test of a good night’s sleep is to get up in the morning, refreshed, energized and alert upon awakening – to maintain this through the major portion of the day, even while we should maintain a 6-8 hour sleep duration as adults.

Reasons for sleep deprivation

1) pain or illness

2) medication and drugs

3) smoking and alcohol

4) junk foods and sugars

5) mental problems and hyperactivity

6) inactivity and obesity

7) environment which is too hot or has too much sound

It is hard to sleep well when your heart is at war with your mind.

So, here is some useful advice for sound sleep: –

1) 6 to 8 hours of sleep

2) Light physical activity

3) Eat light at night

4) Avoid stimulation – as caffeine, alcohol and smoking

5) Mental relaxation as a simple reading book, deep breathing or listening to soft music

6) Comfortable environment – The room should be suitable, dark during sleeping time, and no loud noises, neither too cold nor too warm the room and the bed should be comfortable

A good laugh and a sound sleep are the two best for health.

It is very important that the last 30-60 minutes before bedtime to transition activities and aid sleep. we feel good and function better and improve our mental health by avoiding sleep deprivation.

Dr S.k.jha

Always be the person who cares

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Be the person who cares. Be the person who makes the effort, the person who loves others without hesitation for helping others. Be the person who never shies away from the depth of their feelings or the intensity of their hope. So be the person who believes in the softness of the world, in the goodness of other people , in the beauty of being open and untethered and trusting.

Be the person who takes the chance, and refused to hide. Be the person who makes people feel happy. Trust me when I say- be the person who cares.

Because the world does not need more carelessness, or any more disregard: because there is nothing stronger than someone who continues to stay soft in a world that has not always been kind to them.So, respect the old, weak and needy people when you are capable to do something for them. Help the poor and weak person when you are strong.Confess the fault, when you are wrong.Because , one day in life, you will be old, weak and wrong.

So, learn from everyone, learn from everyone because nobody knows everything but everyone knows something. Our thoughts and action make things beautiful. The whole world is in our minds and hearts. Learn to see things in the proper light. Learn to see a soul instead of their body and life.

The world is filled with people who no matter what you do, no matter what you try, but the world is also filled with those who will love you. The one who loves you is your people. Just always be the better person and make your intention pure. Pain is inevitable and it will always exist, but if you focus on understanding what you are and what you are feeling for others and why you are feeling it, you will overcome it.

Every test in our life makes us bitter or better. Every problem comes to break us or make us. The choice is ours whether we become a victim or a winner.

When you want to be happy, you have to let go of that and start with yourself. Be the person you can be proud of, and show respect and understanding. you have got so much soul to be handled by someone who has never been passionate.

Helping hand

Others may not change, but know that it is not up to you and be proud of how you are.

So, always be the person who cares.

Dr S.k.jha

Personality Disorder

Posted on by skjha196

A personality disorder is a mental health condition that involves long-lasting, disruptive patterns of thinking, behaviour and mood disorder.

There are different types of personality disorders, which have different characteristics and symptoms.

Personality Disorders may cause abnormal behaviour and distress across various aspects of life including work , relationships and social functioning.

Types

1) Cluster A personality disorders

It involves unusual and eccentric thinking or behaviours.

These include:

a) paranoid personality disorder: the main symptoms of this paranoia, which is a relentless , mistrust and suspicion of others without adequate reason for suspicion.

b) schizoid personality disorder – this condition is characterised by a consistent pattern of detachment from and general disinterest in interpersonal relationships.

c) schizotypal personality disorder – people with this condition display a consistent pattern of intense discomfort with and limited need for close relationships.

2) Cluster B personality disorder – it involves dramatic and erratic behaviour. people with those types of conditions display intense, unstable emotions and impulsive behaviours.

It includes:

a) Antisocial personality disorder

b) Borderline personality disorder

c) Histrionic personality disorder – this is characterised by intense, unstable emotions and a distorted self image.They have an overwhelming desire to be noticed by others and may display inappropriate behaviour to get attention.

d) Narcissistic personality disorder – it involves a consistent pattern of perceived superiority, an excessive need for praise and admiration and a lack of empathy for others.

3) Cluster C personality disorder – it involves severe anxiety and fear. They are:

A) Avoidant personality disorder

B) Dependent personality disorder

C) Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

Most Personality Disorders begin in the teen years when their personality develops and matures. As a result, almost all people diagnosed with personality disorders are above the age of 20 years.

Approximately 10℅of the global population suffers from a personality disorder.

Some factors may contribute to the development of personality disorder.

1) Genetic

2) Brain damage

3) Childhood trauma

4) Verbal abuse

5) Cultural factors

Symptoms

1) identity and a sense of self people with personality disorders generally lack a clear or stable image of themselves and how they see themselves often changes depending on the situation.

2) Relationship – people with a personality disorder have difficulty forming close relationships with others due to their problematic beliefs and behaviours. They may lack empathy or respect for others.

Signs

1) Their behaviour is inconsistent, frustrating and confusing to loved ones and other people they interact with.

2) They may have an issue with understanding, realistic and acceptable ways to treat others and behave around them.

3) They may be unaware of how their behaviour cause problems for themselves and others.

Treatment

Personality Disorder is the most difficult disorder to treat because most people with personality disorders don’t think their behaviour is problematic, so they don’t often see treatment.

Some medications can help with symptoms of anxiety and depression, which are common in people with personality disorders.

Psychotherapy can help manage personality disorders.

Since people with personality disorders often don’t want proper medical attention, so the overall prognosis for personality disorders is poor.

The family members of people with personality disorder often experience with stress, depression , grief and isolation.

Studies show that personality disorders are associated with elevated rates of:

1) unemployment

2) Divorce

3) Domestic Violence

4) substance use

5) Homelessness

6) Crime

Untreated personality disorders may result in:

a) Poor relationship

b) Occupational difficulties

c) Impaired social functioning

Dr S.k.jha

Happiness: A simple truth

Posted on by skjha196

There is little correlation between the circumstances of people’s lives and how happy they are.

Happiness is largely under our control. It is a battle to be waged and not a feeling to be awaited. To achieve a happier life, it is necessary to overcome some stumbling blocks, three of which are:

1) comparison with others

2) Images of perfection

3) “Missing Tile” syndrome

We are each granted 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year but why does it seem more people are living more fulfilled lives than others? Are you excited about your days? Your future? If most, then let us change that- every one of us deserves to be happy.

There are some tips for being happy

1) Great the day with a smile – each day, no matter how our day will go on – so do a favour and smile. This exercise does not need to take place in any specific place but it would be ideal if it is the first thing we do in the morning. Studies have shown that smiling has been known to significantly reduce stress and anxiety as well as strengthen the immune system and release endorphins.

Smile more worry less

2) Pursue your passion and interest- if we love what we do we will never work a day in our life, so they say. There are so many fulfilling aspects of work and also many facets of it. But the point is – we are a person with gifts, talents and passion. Identify them and see the results, they will take you far.

3) Commitment- Be it a promise or goal, we have set for ourselves , our careers or our loved ones- having commitments that excite us allow us to fully invest in a cause greater than ourselves. It feeds us in many positive ways mentally, physically and emotionally.

Most of us compare ourselves with anyone we think is happier- a relative, an acquaintance or often someone we barely know.

4) Be kind- Every day is a good day to be kind. Kindness has been shown to increase self-esteem, empathy and compassion. Kindness improves our mood. Kindness impacts the general level of positivity and boosts our mood. Always being kind, no matter the person or situation is simply a way to dramatically improve our world.

Being helpful is an easy to show kindness.

Almost all of us have images of how life should be. The problem is that only rarely do people ‘s jobs, spouses and children live up to these imagined ideals.

The belief that something permanent transcends us and that our existence has some larger meaning can help us be happier. We need a spiritual religious faith or a philosophy of life. If you find the positive in virtually every situation, you will be blessed and if you choose to find the awful, you will be cursed. As with happiness itself, this is largely your decision to make.

Happiness is not about getting all you want, it is about enjoying all you have.

Dr S.k.jha

Haridwar: A pleasant and memorable trip

Posted on by skjha196

Haridwar means Gateway to God and is a holy city in Uttar Pradesh. It is also regarded as one of the seven holy cities by Hindus. Haridwar is a place rich in culture and civilization. It is among the first place where the river Ganga touches the plains after flowing down the mountains.

It is also the entry point to the four main Centres in Utter Pradesh namely Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri and Yamunotri.

According to popular Hindu mythology, the city of Haridwar was created when a drop of Nector spilled over from the Kundalini which was being carried by the celestial bird Garuda after the mythical Samudra Manthan.

Hair ki Pori

Haridwar is approximately 220 km from Delhi. We reached to Haridwar by road and watching beautiful sightseeing. We hired a taxi and going to reach our destination. We saw around us was the Holy water of the river Ganga on the longest highway that is NH7. We felt like the water was accompanying us to our destination.

We reached our destination and firstly we had a hot cup of coffee and enjoy the moment.

We had heard a lot of Ganga Aarti at Har ki Pori. So, we got excited about attending the Ganga Aarti of Har ki Pori. We saw saints sitting near ghats and chanting Mantras. Suddenly, the whole atmosphere became spiritual all at once.

The mythological importance of Har ki Pori is Lord Shiva and Lord Vishnu are said to visit this holy place and be blessed this place.

We felt most relaxed on the bank of the river and took pictures.

The next day, we visited further magnificent temples of Haridwar. we visited the holy temple of Mansa Devi


Chanda Devi temple, Bharat mata mandir also. We visited Shapt rishi ghat about which it is said that seven rishis were in practice and river Ganga then divided into seven parts so the saints don’t get distracted due to it.

Each temple was having its own spiritual importance and significance.

There are many places to shop in Haridwar as Jwalapur market, Bara bazaar, Har ki Pori market etc.

Haridwar is the destination where people from across India visit for pilgrimage and take a holy dip into the Holy river Ganga.

Apart from religious importance, Haridwar is also a centre for learning different arts and cultures. Haridwar is well-known as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal medicines.

There are a lot of tourists places here

1) Har ki Pori

2) Chandi Devi temple

3) Mansa Devi temple

4) Shanti kunj

5) Rajaji national park- the total land of Rajaji national park is 820 km. in the foothills of the Himalayas. we can see Bengal tigers, leopards, Asian elephants, dear etc.

There are more than 250 species of birds and also it attracts a lot of wildlife. Jeep safari and elephant safari are used to take the whole view of the national park.

6) Bharat mata Mandir

7) Vaishno Devi Mandir

8) Gauri Shankar Mahadev temple

Staying in Haridwar

You can get a verity of hotels and dharamshalas to choose from according to your budget. There are also many Dharamsalas and Ashrams for the one who can not afford hotel- like Shanti kunj.

You can always choose from these places of accommodation as per your comfort.

You can eat here fast food, Chinese and south Indian dishes. Noodles, paneer dosa all food items were so delicious.

The city is well-connected with other cities by road and easily accessible. You could also board a train in Delhi and take the train to Haridwar station.

It is also said that Haridwar has been blessed by the attendance of all three major Gods: Brahma, Vishnu and Mahesh.

So, are you ready to visit this holy place?

Dr S.k.jha

Omicron’s new variant BF.7: is it highly dangerous?

Posted on by skjha196

Before coming to this new strain was found in India, we thought that the pandemic situation might come under control and that vaccines had come to save people’s lives, but this new strain of the virus come and researchers are again involved in getting depth research about it, how much is dangerous for people.

This new strain was found in the region of Mongolia in China. The Indian government has already taken the action against this new strain of the virus which is spreading to other countries also.

The country is witnessing a decline in fresh covid – 19 cases however the virus is posing a new threat with its highly infectious omicron sub-variant BF- 7. The first case was detected by the Gujrat Biotechnology Research Centre and it is claimed that the new sub-variant of omicron is highly infectious and has greater transmissibility.

It has not been certain this virus is much more dangerous than Covid-19. As scientists, Researchers have shown that some of these mutations may increase the ability of the virus to infect human cells.

This is a relatively large number of changes compared to the many variants we have in circulation globally.

As all scientists and Researchers say that the vaccine will work and weak the virus and increase the immunity system against the virus.

But finding the new strain, it is in each mind that if this new strain is more infectious and dangerous or not? This type of new virus has truly increased transmission and affected health problems among people as it is shown by scientists.

Within a few months of the pandemic, this particular new variant strain came to light and was found in some countries and India also.

There have been changes to the spike protein – this is the point that this virus uses to enter our body cells any changes made by the virus easier to get inside our body and are likely to give it an edge.

Till now, nobody knows whether this new Coronavirus strain is more dangerous or not like the previous Covid -19.

According to experts, the new variant could be 50% more transmissible than the old variant. According to scientists, the virus has at least more than 20 changes of mutations. It is more worrying that this strain is affecting people in the age group of 30-60 years. The variant, however, has already spread globally.

Now, it is a multi-millionaire question among people whether will the vaccine work against the new variant?

The more important question is if the new variant signifies that more people are infected swiftly and could in turn lead to more people needing hospital treatment thus we need to develop our healthcare infrastructure strong.

The vaccine has been prepared for developing the immune system which attacks many different parts of the virus, so even though, parts of the spike have mutated, the vaccine should have to work. Now, it is necessary that the vaccine needs to be regularly updated and watch the effect on people and their immune systems.

But, it is my personal view that we should take additional precautions to beat this virus:-

Wash our hands, wear a mask, and maintain social distancing as well as increase our immune system through different methods such as exercise, yoga and eating healthy foods.

So, we have to take care, because this new virus slowly spreading and there is a need to maintain precautions and follow the instructions issued by the Government and WHO.

Dr S.k.jha

Jogging: Health Benefits and fitness

Posted on by skjha196

Jogging is a slow form of running. It means a smooth easy running movement, which involves the movement of the arms also. The entire body including the jaw, neck, shoulders and arms must remain loose and relaxed.

Effects of jogging

a) jogging the slow form of running results in an increased heartbeat and this strengthens the heart.

b) the increased heartbeat improves the circulation in the body, strengthening the arteries, and veins and creating new capillaries to reach the muscles. This reduces blood pressure and the hardening of arteries and atherosclerosis.

c) since jogging strengthens the heart, it is one of the best ways of preventing heart attacks.

d) the increased heartbeat during jogging results in increased respiration and this results in a greater intake of oxygen into the lungs.

B) advantage of jogging over other forms of exercises

a) jogging directly strengthens the muscles of the leg

b) jogging doesn’t require the booking of a swimming pool or a gymnasium in advance.

c) jogging doesn’t require any expensive equipment.

C) Requirements of jogging

a) a nice, strong, comfortable pair of shoes perfectly with a soft upper and a padded sole with Cushioning in the heels.

b) A loose salwar kameez or light and loose tracksuit is advisable for ladies.

Medical check-up before jogging

Before embarking on a jogging program, if over the age of 35, the first step is to consult a physician. This a routine medical checkup and the physician will advise jogging for its therapeutic effect on the body. This medical checkup will also isolate cases of heart problems. This is done under strict medical supervision in the presence of both doctors and the coach. It involves starting very very slowly so that the heart gets used to the exercise.

Times for jogging

Jogging can be done at any time but the best time would be early morning or late evening. Jogging should not be done soon after meals and also on empty stomach. A light stomach is best for jogging.

Period for jogging

The best way to start is by covering a period of approximately 10 to 20 minutes by jogging and walking. Instead of running a distance such as 1 or 2 kilometres, it is more convenient to run for a specified period and as fitness improves, to increase the pace of running within the allotted time and only thereafter increase the distance also. Jogging is at a pace that is slightly faster than walking. The entire process from starting jogging to running continuously for 20 minutes will take three months and it is not advisable to rush into running continuously earlier.

Jogging continuously is certainly the ultimate form of jogging fitness.

Jogging

Limitations for jogging

Where the pulse rate is going beyond 150 beats per minute, it means the runner has certainly exercised himself. For a person below 30 years old, the pulse rate can go up from 170 to 180 beats per minute. For those who are above the age of 40 years, it is not advisable, nor it is necessary to increase the heartbeats beyond 140 per minute to keep in mind the biofeedback of the human body. If the joggers feel sick, giddy or excessively fatigued, it indicates that the body has been overworked.

Benefits of jogging

1) it helps in losing weight

2) it makes feel better

3) improve lungs function

4) it increases self-esteem

5) it improves sleep better

6) no expensive equipment is needed

7) strengthen the joints and bones

8) keep mind sharp

9) cardiovascular health

10) reduces stress

11) release endorphins

12) strengthen the immune system

Running is one of the best solutions to a clan mind.

Aches and Injuries with jogging

The starting point of any new activity will result in aches and pains since the muscles involved have not been used earlier. This is a healthy pain and the best way of relieving it is, to continue jogging and exercising systematically. Other pains and injuries connected with jogging are shin splints, heel pains, Achilles tendon pain, ankle sprain, knee pain etc. The inevitable blisters can be avoided by using socks and jogging shoes with soft uppers.

Muscle injuries because of tears or strains in the muscles occur mostly in active competitors. The best remedy for this is to rest and medication.

On alternate days, jogging is advocated and since jogging is a cardiovascular exercise that strengthens the heart, lungs and muscles of the legs, some other strength-building systems for the upper body( weight training) on an alternate day are advocated. If one does not have to go to a gym or decides to jog every day, a series of push-ups and sit-ups at the end of each session take care of strengthening the muscles of the upper body. Three sets of 10 push-ups and three setups of 15 sit-ups along with 20 minutes of jogging constitute an almost perfect fitness program.

If coupled with a few loosening and stretching exercises before or after the session.

Dr S.k.jha

Social anxiety disorder

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Social anxiety disorder is the fear of social situations and interaction with other people that can automatically bring on a feeling of self -consciousness, judgment, evaluation and inferiority. All of us know that anxiety or stress is common these days. some people may feel nervous or uneasy in a social gathering. Attending public meetings or walking into a hall which is crowded with strangers for him\her is not exactly exciting to them, but most people can go through it.

If a person is usually anxious in social situations but seems fine when they are by themselves, then social anxiety may be the problem.

If someone has a social anxiety disorder, the stress of these situations is difficult to handle. So, people avoid all social contact because things that other people consider normal or comfortable – make them so uncomfortable and anxious.

Social anxiety disorder is a much more common problem than other people think. Millions of people all over the world are suffering from it. The average age is between 14-19 years old – the teenage years. It is one of the most common mental disorder.

People who suffer from social anxiety disorder will worry a lot about making a fool of themselves in front of other people and will feel very anxious before going into any social situations that worry them. When they are actually with people, they will feel even more anxious and may be unable to say or do what is intended.

Anyone with social anxiety disorder can experience it in different ways. Some have-

1) talking to unknown people

2) making eye contact

3) speaking in public

4) entering the room

5) going to parties

6) eating in front of other people

7) going to school or work

8) starting a conversation

Some people don’t feel easy in such situations. All socially anxious people have different reasons for fearing certain situations. But in general, it is the most fearful condition for them-

a) being judged or notice by others

b) being humiliated or embarrassed

c) being the centre of attraction

d) accidentally offending someone

People who have a social anxiety disorder may feel –

1) very self-conscious in social gatherings

2) feeling of fear, tense

3) shy and uncomfortable

4) hesitate to talk with other

5) not like to mix with other people

They might have some physical symptoms such as

1) Rapid heartbeat

2) muscle tension

3) blushing

4) dizziness

5) crying

6) sweating

7) stomach trouble

8) inability to catch a breath

Social anxiety disorder usually comes to around 15 years of age. It can be linked to a history of abuse, bullying or teasing. If anyone develops a health condition that draws attention to his \ or her appearance or voice that could trigger social anxiety too.

When people avoid all social situations, it affects their relationships. It can also lead to

1) low esteem

2) negative thoughts

3) depression

4) poor social skills that don’t improve

So, to overcome a social anxiety disorder, people have to talk to family and friends or in the worst condition consult with a doctor or a therapist.

Prescription medications and behaviour therapy are the two effective treatments for social anxiety disorder. Some need both. Except their therapies are — Relaxation therapy and Beta-blockers.

Dr S.k.jha