Avoiding avoidance is an important aspect of treating social anxiety disorder from "summary" of Social Anxiety Disorder by National Collaborating Centre for Mental Health (Great Britain)
To effectively address social anxiety disorder, it is crucial to confront avoidance behaviors head-on. In the treatment of this disorder, individuals often engage in avoidance tactics in order to shield themselves from the distressing feelings that social situations may evoke. However, while avoidance may provide temporary relief, it ultimately perpetuates the cycle of anxiety by reinforcing the belief that social interactions are inherently threatening. By avoiding feared situations, individuals miss out on opportunities to learn that their feared outcomes are unlikely to materialize. This avoidance also prevents individuals from developing more adaptive coping strategies that could help them manage their anxiety in social settings. As a result, avoidance only serves to maintain and exacerbate social anxiety over time.- A common approach to treating social anxiety disorder, individuals are encouraged to gradually confront their feared situations in a controlled and supportive environment. This process, known as exposure therapy, allows individuals to gradually expose themselves to anxiety-provoking situations while learning to cope with their distressing thoughts and feelings. Through repeated exposure, individuals can begin to challenge and ultimately change their negative beliefs about social interactions.
