The Christchurch Social Phobia Support Group
(New Zealand) web site is now located here.







Social Phobia is the fear of certain social situations because they may prove either embarrassing or humiliating.

It is a very common disorder.

Has the man directly below got social phobia?





Yes, if he has any of the fears below!


What is Social Phobia?




Social Phobia is an Anxiety Disorder. Examples of its fears are:

Discrete Situations

fears of public speaking,
fears of using public restrooms,
fears about eating or writing in public,
fears about meeting people in authority and/or the opposite sex,



or Generalised, where the fears involve almost all social contacts. These fears usually cause people to avoid these situations.

An essential feature of Social Phobia is the extreme fear of scrutiny by others in social situations. There is also an intense and persistent fear of performance situations in which embarrassment or humiliation may occur, which leads to avoidance of these feared situations.

It is not surprising that Social Phobia is usually associated with low self esteem and fear of criticism.

"I have always stammered. This was something I was deeply ashamed of. At school I was picked on to read out in front of the class, and made fun of. Thankfully as I progressed through school the teachers became more humane and made less of this. However I never recovered from the initial humiliation I was put through. I suppose I became more popular, but conversely was increasingly unable to do things for myself without feeling overwhelmingly anxiety. To shop, get a haircut, pay bills, and meet basic financial needs became more difficult.
Marriage saved me for a while, because my wife became my enabler and did all these things for me. But as time went on and the responsibilities became greater this became harder to deal with. I responded by retreating so far into myself that for periods of time I ceased to function completely. Eventually these episodes occurred closer and closer together. I didn't know what was wrong with me.
I had four years of counseling before I found out about treatment available for Social Phobia at the Anxieties Disorders Unit.
My life has more potential now."


POSTAL ADDRESS:


For information please ring Ph 03 3779665 or write to:

Christchurch Social Phobia Support Group
P. O. Box 13 167
Armagh,
Christchurch

if international enquirer, add New Zealand after Christchurch.
FAX 3655-345



The Support Group meets on the last Thursday
of every month at 7.30pm in Securities House, 2nd Floor,
221 Gloucester Street, Christchurch, New Zealand



The evening generally comprises a guest speaker,
with an optional informal supper.


AIMS



The Social Phobia Support Group aims to provide support:


  • 1.To establish a setting in which sufferers can meet in comfort and safety.

  • 2.To provide a supportive and understanding environment, enabling communication
    on feelings and needs, and the giving of support.

  • 3.To provide information and resources about Social Phobia, so that people
    can reduce the impact of this disorder on their lives.

  • 4.To encourage social networks and facilitate opportunities for social activities.

  • 5.To ensure that people are given a vision of
    the future by the presence of 'coping' members.
    •


    EDUCATION



  • 1. To raise community awareness about Social Phobia, and to promote
    informed views about it's nature, prevalence and symptoms.

  • 2. To ensure that people with Social phobia have
    access to appropriate support and treatment.

  • 3. To encourage and support professional research related
    to Social Phobia and other Anxiety Disorders.






    • For further information about social phobia or the Christchurch Social Phobia Support Group email us. Please put SP enquiry in email subject description to distinguish your enquiry or comments

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