Anxiety disorders can be difficult to recognize and understand. Knowing the difference between generalized anxiety and social anxiety can help you or a loved one identify symptoms and find the best treatment plan for your needs. At True Life Center, we specialize in personalized addiction treatment and mental wellness programs that address each person’s unique challenges. Regarding generalized anxiety vs. social anxiety, True Life Center can help you identify the differences, manage symptoms, and create a comprehensive recovery plan.
If you or a loved one have social anxiety or generalized anxiety, we offer both social anxiety and general anxiety treatment in San Diego, California. Contact True Life Center at 866.420.1792 today to learn more about our specialized treatment plans. We would love to get you started on your journey toward emotional wellness. Our dedicated team of mental health professionals is committed to providing compassionate and individualized care and support. We understand that anxiety can be a difficult condition to manage, but with the right treatment plan, you or your loved one can regain control of your life.
What Is Generalized Anxiety?
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is a condition characterized by excessive worrying that disrupts daily life. People with GAD often worry about everyday activities such as work, school, health, relationships, or finances. This worrying can cause physical symptoms such as:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Sleep disturbances
- Body aches and pains
- Fatigue
- Muscle tension
- Trembling or shaking
Other common signs of GAD include difficulty concentrating or controlling worry; restlessness; irritability; feeling on edge; being easily startled; and panic attacks.
What Is Social Anxiety?
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), also known as social phobia, is an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations. People with SAD may feel anxious about the following:
- Interacting with others at work or school
- Attending parties or other gatherings
- Speaking in public
- Using public restrooms
- Eating out in restaurants
- Meeting new people
- Being assertive during conversations
- Initiating conversations with strangers
Physical signs of SAD include rapid heartbeat, blushing, sweating profusely, trembling or shaking, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea due to fear of embarrassment in social situations.
Generalized Anxiety vs. Social Anxiety
When it comes to generalized anxiety vs. social anxiety, there are a few key differences:
- Generalized anxiety is characterized by excessive worrying about everyday activities, while social anxiety is an intense fear of being judged or embarrassed in social situations.
- Generalized anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as headaches, nausea, sleep disturbances, body aches and pains, fatigue, and muscle tension.
- Social anxiety can cause physical symptoms such as rapid heartbeat, blushing, sweating profusely, trembling or shaking, nausea, vomiting, stomach discomfort, and diarrhea.
- Generalized anxiety is more pervasive and can cause difficulty in controlling worry, restlessness, irritability, feeling on edge, being easily startled, and panic attacks.
- Social anxiety can cause difficulty initiating conversations, being assertive in conversations, and maintaining eye contact.
At True Life Center, we understand the complexity of anxiety disorders. Our team is dedicated to providing personalized care and support every step of the way. We specialize in unique treatment plans that address both generalized anxiety and social anxiety.
Social Anxiety vs. Generalized Anxiety: Find Relief at True Life Center
Understanding the differences between generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and social anxiety disorder (SAD) can help you better understand your own experiences with anxiety—or those of a loved one—and seek the proper treatment options available. At True Life Center in San Diego, California, our specialized staff is trained to develop personalized treatment plans based on each individual’s needs.
If you need help managing generalized anxiety or social anxiety, contact True Life Center at 866.420.1792 today to get started on your journey toward emotional well-being. We are committed to helping you or your loved one find the support and resources needed for a lasting recovery.