"Understanding Social Anxiety: Strategies for Coping"

This initial step is crucial in helping you gain a better grasp of social anxiety and how to manage it effectively. In this course, we will delve into the facts surrounding social anxiety and explore strategies to address and cope with it.

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by an intense, persistent fear of being observed and evaluated by others. This fear can significantly impact various aspects of life, from work and school to social interactions and friendships. It's a condition that affects approximately 5.3 million people in the United States, typically manifesting between the ages of 11 and 19. But there's hope, as it's one of the most common mental disorders, and effective strategies can be applied.

This course will provide a toolkit of proven strategies to manage social anxiety. Alongside these strategies, we will delve into the symptoms, triggers, available resources, and a deeper understanding of social anxiety.

The primary goal of this course is to equip you with specific, research-backed strategies to help alleviate anxiety.

Topics covered in the course will include:
Understanding Social Anxiety
Defining social anxiety
Recognizing emotional and behavioral manifestations
Building Your Toolbox
Techniques for relaxation through controlled breathing and muscle relaxation
Realistic Thinking Exercises
Identifying realistic thinking patterns and practical examples

The class structure will follow this format:

Introduction
Icebreaker
In-depth Topic Discussion
Wrap-up, Questions, and Discussion

As a mental health professional and educator, my aim is to engage learners while delivering comprehensive insights. 

No prior knowledge or prerequisite classes are required, making this course accessible to all.

**Our class size will be intentionally small, ensuring the ideal learning environment for our participants.