For those living with social phobia, feeling extremely self-conscious in social situations occurs in almost any social interaction, leaving the person feeling uncomfortable and more likely to avoid any social situation at all costs. This behavior may seem like shyness to others, however these experiences actually induce feelings of panic for the sufferer. Social anxiety bars people from being able to enjoy life and mentally forces a person into a reclusive lifestyle. However, that is the opposite of what a person needs for happy and healthy functioning. Social interaction is necessary for human beings to thrive. Overcoming social anxiety takes time and practice along with various treatment methods. Here are five methods for overcoming social phobia.

The weekend of June 17^th to 19^th, 2016, I had the pleasure of attending the “Living with Lyme Retreat” held at the lovely Glastonbury Abbey in Hingham, Massachusetts. This retreat was sponsored by Lyme Awareness of Cape Cod. Jim and I arrived on Friday late afternoon and received a warm welcome followed by a barrage of questions. The majority of attendees have been challenged with Lyme and associated diseases or Post Lyme Treatment Syndrome for many years with significant functional impairments. 

Cerebral palsy, or CP, refers to a group of neurological disorders involving movement due to brain development abnormalities. CP can affect other functions depending on the parts of the brain affected. Symptoms appear in infancy or early in childhood, permanently affecting muscle coordination and movement. The brain damage caused by cerebral palsy can also contribute to problems with speech, hearing, vision, and can be responsible for learning disabilities. Although there is no cure for cerebral palsy, various treatments can help improve quality of life for patients. Neurofeedback can be used to improve and correct brain function, thereby reducing the symptoms of CP.

Feelings of anxiety are considered normal in life, particularly if a person is facing a stressful or challenging situation. After all, the brain is wired to use anxiety to communicate feelings of fear. However, when anxiety begins to consume a person’s daily life and functioning, creating constant feelings of worry and being overwhelmed, an anxiety disorder may be present.

Low birth weight is considered less than five pounds eight ounces. In the US, 12% of babies are born prematurely. Since the early 80’s the rate of prematurity has risen by 17%. Research consistently finds a greater risk of developmental disabilities as these children move from infancy through adolescence. Prematurity can result in brain injures causing neuromotor and cognitive deficits. Oxygen deprivation and respiratory problems require oxygen supplementation, and can cause permanent injury to the brain and have been linked to later cognitive and motor deficits.  Premature, low birth weight and fragile infants often have a variety of disabilities in the areas of cognitive, academic, sensorimotor, social-emotional and behavioral development.