Recovery from Social Anxiety and Related Conditions
Robert F. Mullen
Director/ReChanneling
For every new subscriber, ReChanneling donates $25 for workshop scholarships.
The distinction between social anxiety and social anxiety disorder lies in the severity of symptoms. Not everyone is affected the same way; the intensity and persistence of symptoms vary widely from person to person. Although the characteristics and traits of these conditions may appear similar across individuals, each person’s experience is shaped by a unique combination of environment, life experiences, and the diversity of human thought and behavior.
Additionally, it is important to recognize that comorbidities—other mental health conditions that occur alongside social anxiety—are highly prevalent. This reality underscores the complex nature of these anxiety disorders. As such, effective recovery mechanisms must address not only social anxiety, social phobia, and social anxiety disorder, but also the multiple related conditions that often coexist. When recovery methods are discussed for one of these conditions, they are intended to apply to all three.
“Dr. Mullen is doing impressive work helping the world. He is the pioneer of proactive neuroplasticity utilizing DRNI – deliberate, repetitive, neural information.” – WeVoice (Madrid, Málaga)
Notes on Writing the Self-Help Book
I recently finished a guide for people experiencing social anxiety (social phobia, social anxiety disorder). As an academic writer, I was unprepared for the demands of writing a self-help book. The compassion, intimacy, and personal revelations needed to connect with the millions seeking ways to ease the burden of their condition were a difficult transition from the dispassionate, fact-driven culture of academia, to which I was accustomed.
Academia
Academic articles are distinguished by a highly structured, impersonal, evidence-based approach. Self-reference is verboten, and every study and theory must be supported by field experts. In popular parlance, it’s known as covering our asses. For example, my paper on the challenges of social anxiety in relationships contained over 90 references.
Academic papers are often redundant by design. We stand on the shoulders of giants to become giants ourselves. I’ve been fortunate to see my publications cited in multiple journals and books, indicating I’ve contributed to the field. But honestly, my academic contributions have mostly been rehashed, pedantic, and repetitive ideas and formulas aimed at a very exclusive audience.
Self-Improvement
Self-help or self-improvement books are meant to help readers overcome personal, mental, or emotional challenges without on-site professional assistance. Guides to recovery from social anxiety offer practical advice for handling stress, building resilience, changing habits, or reaching goals. Some use psychological research, while others rely on personal stories or study and experience.
Social Anxiety
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is manipulative and intractable, sustaining itself on the irrational thoughts and behaviors of the 360 million individuals worldwide who find themselves caught in its densely interconnected network of fear and avoidance of social and performance situations.
Statistics, limited as they are due to the fear of disclosure, claim that two of every five adults and adolescents experience some degree of social anxiety.
Self-help publications now make up a $41 billion-a-year global industry. There are innumerable books on social anxiety. So, what makes my upcoming book on recovery different from others of its ilk?
It’s Not Theoretical
It’s a practical, clear, and simple guide to traditional and non-traditional approaches. Developed and used successfully in our groups and workshops.
It is Not a One-Size-Fits-All Solution
Recovery draws from the rich diversity of human thought and experience, integrating science, psychology, philosophy. And, by extension, religious and spiritual insight.
For unique individuals with diverse experiences, environments, beliefs, needs, and aspirations, SAD is highly subjective, and treatment options must take this into account. It is, by nature, highly experiential.
The Personal Connection
I suffered from severe social anxiety disorder for the first half of my life. But through study, growth, and practice, I developed ways to recover. I am deeply familiar with the struggles and quirks of social anxiety.
The experiences, fears, and frustrations of my clients and colleagues are familiar to me because I have felt them too. We are the same. There is nothing that an individual conflicted with anxiety has thought, felt, considered or done that I haven’t experienced to some extent.
Social anxiety disorder (SAD) is manipulative and difficult to treat, driven by irrational thoughts and behaviors. Since the condition differs from other disorders due to its negative core and intermediate belief system, many traditional treatments are reasonably ineffective.
Many experts claim that recovery requires a specialized understanding of its manipulative and intractable forms of self-sabotage, which can only be provided by someone who has experienced it firsthand.
The Hollywood Connection
As a mediocre, former actor and playwright in the entertainment industry, much of my social anxiety was shaped by my interactions and experiences with the Hollywood hierarchy and personalities who shared similar struggles. Many are referenced in the book, though not disparagingly. Many, like Sal Mineo and Momma Cass, are no longer with us.
I am a very guarded and private person, probably because of my SAD-induced lingering fear of criticism, negative judgment, and ridicule. To show my understanding and compassion for others with the same condition, I felt it necessary to share my own faults, weaknesses, and failures—things I’ve rarely shared publicly. It was both terrifying and cathartic.
I was given many opportunities to succeed in the industry, but self-sabotage usually took precedence. I struggled to form, nurture, or sustain healthy relationships, but my social life mainly involved partying with B-list celebrities and insinuating myself into their success.
Space is Limited
For Information
“It is one of the best investments I have made in myself, and I will
continue to improve and benefit from it for the rest of my life.” – Nick P.
The Chosen Path
At midlife, I chose a different path. I returned to university, earned my degrees, and became a behaviorist focusing on what is nicknamed the “neglected anxiety disorder,” because few therapists have the skills to treat the most underrated, misunderstood, and misdiagnosed disorder.
Committing to recovery is one of the most difficult challenges a socially anxious person can face. It demands a lot of courage and acceptance that they are valuable, important, and deserving of happiness. My primary goal is to support anyone with the commitment and determination to recover by helping them successfully overcome Aaron Beck’s three core negative beliefs: helplessness, hopelessness, and unlovability.
The fate of my venture into the self-help industry remains uncertain. Will it genuinely help anyone, or will it quickly end up in the Amazon dustbin? I’ve always believed in the often-cited proverb from the Torah, ‘Save one life, save the world,” so I believe the book has a reasonable chance of success.
Proactive Neuroplasticity YouTube Series
WHY IS YOUR SUPPORT SO NECESSARY AND ESSENTIAL? ReChanneling develops and implements programs to (1) mitigate symptoms of social anxiety and related conditions and (2) pursue personal goals and objectives – harnessing our intrinsic aptitude for extraordinary living. Our paradigmatic approach targets the personality through empathy, collaboration, and program integration utilizing neuroscience and psychology including proactive neuroplasticity, cognitive-behavioral modification, positive psychology, and techniques designed to regenerate self-esteem. All donations support scholarships for groups and workshops.
INDIVIDUAL RECOVERY. The symptoms of social anxiety make it challenging for some to participate in a collective workshop. Dr. Mullen works one-on-one with a select group of individuals who are uneasy in group settings. ReChanneling offers scholarships to accommodate the costs. What is missed in group activities is provided in our monthly, no-cost Graduate Recovery Group. In this supportive community, graduates interact with others who have completed the program. Contact ‘rmullenphd@gmail.com’.