Does your child suffer from social problems? This is what can help him - voila! health

Social anxiety is the most common of the anxieties of modern times.

A sad boy (Photo: ShutterStock)

Even today, about a year after the return to normality, and certainly among children and youth who have experienced a severe upheaval in their social-emotional development, it can be seen that the consequences of the corona are still here and continue to affect us, as individuals and as a society.

There is one group in the population that seems to have been more affected by the upheaval than others, and that is those who face social difficulties, introversion and avoidance patterns, sometimes to the point of social anxiety and loneliness.

Although one would think that those who avoid social situations in the routine would actually feel comfortable with the isolation and silence, which are the "comfort zone" for them, in the long run, the Corona period, the closures and the forced distance, created a regression and disconnection for many of them, from which it is very difficult to return.

They find it difficult to integrate, connect and lead a social life like everyone else, and the difficulty "raises its head" precisely in attempts to return to routine.

Social anxiety has become the most common of the anxieties of modern times.

It is expressed in difficulty and distance from social situations, as well as from everyday actions such as conversation, sharing, making friends and making eye contact.

In the absence of treatment, it can take a heavy toll - from social isolation, through dropping out of school, not being drafted into the army, the inability to hold a job, relationships and relationships, to the point of depression and suicide.

Social anxiety is not destiny

The good news is that social anxiety is not destiny.

Therapists and social organizations today offer a variety of strategies and options for "strengthening the social muscle" and improving social skills that have worn out or were weak to begin with, and have been damaged again.

With focused and guided work (and even short-term), it is definitely possible to overcome it and create a significant change and improvement in the quality of life.

In addition, studies show change and improvement that are created even by means that are not perceived as therapeutic or intended directly for this, but can certainly have a positive effect and enable social-emotional strengthening, indirectly.

And at the top of the list of these means is sport.

Helps to strengthen the social muscle as well.

Children playing soccer (Photo: ShutterStock)

Shiri Gabian, leader of a group for young people and adults at the Rakfat association, which helps children, youth, young people and adults who face social difficulties, avoidance and social anxiety, explains that sports help build self-confidence and a sense of competence, two factors that have an impact on the feeling of personal and social resilience.

After experiences of success in sports, it is easier to translate the feeling to life outside the field or track, and to dare more.

Gabian, who previously played for the Israeli women's rugby team, adds that "playing sports defines you beyond your social anxiety or difficulty, and it allows you to see yourself with other eyes - more benevolent - and change "your story".

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In addition, Gabian explains, sporting achievements illustrate, in practice, how practice leads to results.

Thus, just like in sports, practicing and training the "social muscle" can lead to results and social successes.

"One of the main work tools in Rakfat groups is the 'exposure' tool - a guided experience with the anxiety-inducing factors and gradually - creating an experience of success and comfort in dealing with them. The sporting insights of the meaning of practice and training on the way to results can of course also be applied to the social field and thus increase motivation to experiment and experience more social success experiences," she explained.

And this is true not only for children, but also for adults who face social difficulties.

As we grow older, our opportunities to meet new people, and to practice creating and maintaining relationships and other social skills decrease.

Sports, especially team sports, allow this in a very comfortable environment, under ideal conditions and without pressure.

The occupation is in something external, shared and connecting, without a specific emphasis on the social aspect, so the participants can come to the activity without the feeling of threat and/or inferiority that often accompanies them when they come to situations that are essentially social.

Endorphins help improve mood and boost confidence.

A girl lifts weights (Photo: ShutterStock)

A Swedish study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found that although it is not a substitute for professional help, exercise is an effective and useful means of dealing with anxiety.

Sports activity releases endorphins, a hormone that, among other things, helps improve mood and boost confidence.

If you or your child experiences social difficulties, whether they are professionally diagnosed as social anxiety or not, whether they are treated individually or take part in a group for social reinforcement, it is worthwhile and recommended to also find a field of sports, physical activity that is good for you, and perhaps, along the way, you will discover a shekel You also have more in the face of social difficulty.

• health

• parenthood

Tags

• social anxiety

• shyness

• sport