Social anxiety can make daily life feel exhausting. The stress of speaking up, meeting new people, or attending social events can feel overwhelming, sometimes impossible. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. At Shanti PDX, we provide evidence-based social anxiety disorder treatment in Portland to help you feel more confident and connected.
Our approach is both clinical and personal. We offer individualized care that may include medication, referrals to trusted therapists, or TMS therapy—a non-medication treatment option for anxiety and depression.
What Is Social Anxiety Disorder?
Social anxiety disorder, also called social phobia, is a mental health condition that causes intense fear of social situations. It is more than shyness or nervousness. It can disrupt your ability to work, go to school, or maintain relationships.
Situations like giving a presentation, joining a conversation, or attending a party may trigger extreme anxiety. This fear often leads to avoidance, even when you want to participate. It is not just emotional. You may notice physical symptoms like a racing heart, a hot face, or an upset stomach.
This condition often starts in the teen years and can continue into adulthood. The good news is that it is highly treatable, and many people see real improvement with the right support.
How Social Anxiety Affects Daily Life
Social anxiety can interfere with many areas of your life. It may cause you to avoid speaking up in meetings, decline invitations, or pass up school or career opportunities. You may struggle to make new friends or feel comfortable in group settings. Some people avoid calling for help or attending medical appointments. Over time, this can lead to loneliness, lower self-confidence, and missed connections. With compassionate social anxiety disorder treatment in Portland, these patterns can shift.
Common Symptoms of Social Anxiety Disorder
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder often show up in emotional, physical, and behavioral ways. They may appear before, during, or even after social interactions.
Emotional Symptoms
- Fear of being judged or embarrassed
- Worry about social events for days or weeks
- Overthinking conversations or perceived mistakes
- Low self-esteem or fear of appearing nervous
Physical Symptoms
- Blushing, sweating, or trembling
- Racing heart or chest tightness
- Nausea or dizziness
Behavioral Symptoms
- Avoiding events or speaking in public
- Difficulty with eye contact or small talk
- Turning down social or professional opportunities
- Using substances to cope or feel more relaxed
People experience social anxiety in different ways. Some individuals with social anxiety in Portland may function well at work but avoid social gatherings. Others feel anxious in nearly all interactions.
What Causes Social Anxiety Disorder?
There is no single cause. Social anxiety often results from a mix of biology, life experiences, and environment. People with a family history of anxiety are more likely to develop it. Past experiences like bullying, rejection, or embarrassment can increase vulnerability.
Societal pressure to appear confident or socially “perfect” may also heighten anxiety, especially in cultures where vulnerability is discouraged. Understanding the root of your social anxiety helps us build a treatment plan that fits your unique experience.
Common Myths About Social Anxiety
Social anxiety is often misunderstood. Here are a few common myths:
- “It’s just shyness.” Social anxiety is more intense and persistent than shyness.
- “You can just push through it.” Avoiding treatment can make symptoms worse.
- “Only introverts experience it.” Social anxiety affects people of all personality types.
- “It’s not a real condition.” Social anxiety is a diagnosable mental health disorder with proven treatments.
Challenging these myths helps people better understand social anxiety. This makes it easier for individuals to recognize symptoms and feel more confident seeking help.
Why Seek Treatment?
Living with social anxiety in Portland can be especially difficult in a city known for its creative, collaborative, and community-focused culture. Everyday situations like attending a work event or meeting new people can feel overwhelming.
Avoiding these experiences may bring short-term relief, but usually increases anxiety over time. When left untreated, social anxiety can lead to depression, isolation, or unhealthy coping habits. Our social anxiety disorder treatment in Portland can help break that cycle and open the door to change.
Why Choose Shanti for Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment?
Our facility has been a locally owned and operated mental health clinic since 2014. We are known for combining medical expertise with inclusive, trauma-informed care. Our team understands how deeply social anxiety can affect your life, and we work with you to find relief at your own pace.
What Sets Us Apart
- Comprehensive psychiatric care for anxiety, depression, and dual diagnosis
- On-site TMS therapy for treatment-resistant symptoms
- Supportive, judgment-free, trauma-informed care
- Services for teens and adults (ages 16+)
- In-network with all major insurance and Medicare
- Telemedicine options across Oregon
- Inclusive, identity-affirming care for LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities of color
We know that social anxiety may also be shaped by experiences of marginalization or discrimination. Our team provides care that honors your identity, your story, and your goals for healing.
Related Conditions We Also Treat
Social anxiety often overlaps with other mental health conditions, which is why we take an integrated approach to care. At Shanti, we also treat depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), panic disorder, ADHD, and substance use disorders. Addressing the full range of symptoms, not just a single diagnosis, helps support more meaningful and lasting recovery.
How We Treat Social Anxiety Disorder
Everyone’s experience is different. That is why we customize each social anxiety disorder treatment in Portland based on your symptoms, needs, and preferences.
Psychiatric Evaluation and Medication Management
Your care begins with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. If appropriate, we may recommend medication, such as an SSRI, to help manage anxiety symptoms. Our team monitors your response and adjusts treatment as needed.
TMS Therapy for Social Anxiety
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment that uses magnetic pulses to target brain regions involved in mood and anxiety. It is especially helpful for people who have not found relief with medication.
TMS is medication-free, does not require sedation, and is delivered in short outpatient sessions. It does not typically cause side effects such as weight gain or sexual dysfunction. Most insurance plans cover TMS, making it an accessible option for long-term relief.
Care for Teens and Young Adults (Ages 16+)
Social anxiety often begins in adolescence. Our team provides respectful, age-appropriate care to help teens and young adults build confidence and manage anxiety in a supportive setting.
Support for Dual Diagnosis
It is common for social anxiety to occur alongside depression or substance use. We specialize in treating co-occurring conditions with a coordinated, whole-person approach.
Simple Self-Care Tips for Managing Social Anxiety
Alongside professional social anxiety treatment in Portland, small daily habits can support your mental health. Here are a few ideas to try:
- Practice deep breathing or grounding exercises when anxiety builds
- Prepare talking points before a social event
- Journal about what went well or what triggered stress
- Set small, manageable goals like saying hello or making eye contact
These steps are not a substitute for professional treatment. However, they can support your progress by helping build confidence and reducing stress over time.
Ready to Begin Social Anxiety Disorder Treatment in Portland?
Struggling with social anxiety should not mean missing out on your life. Our social anxiety disorder treatment in Portland helps you feel more comfortable in everyday situations, without pressure or judgment.
At Shanti, your care begins with a low-pressure first visit where we get to know you, your symptoms, goals, and what kind of support feels right for you. Whether your treatment includes medication, TMS therapy, or a referral to one of our trusted therapy partners, we will create a plan that fits your needs and pace.
Social anxiety is treatable, and progress is possible. Reach out today to take the next step toward confidence, connection, and relief.
