DeepSummary
Russell Norris shares his lifelong struggle with social anxiety and idiopathic craniofacial erythema (uncontrollable blushing). He traces the origins of his anxiety back to around age 12-13 during puberty when he would blush intensely in social situations, particularly at school. This led to anticipatory anxiety before events, intense anxiety during events, and rumination afterwards.
As an adult, Russell tried various coping mechanisms like drinking alcohol before work, not sleeping to lower blood pressure and reduce blushing, herbal supplements, and eventually beta blockers which provided some relief but also became an unhealthy dependence. Writing his book "Red Face" helped him accept his condition.
Russell advocates for increased awareness, openness and seeking therapy for social anxiety, especially among men for whom conditions like this often go unaddressed due to stigma. He believes exercise, establishing perspective around perceived weaknesses, and focusing outward on others can all be beneficial.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Writing and sharing one's story can be a powerful way to advocate for change
- Simple practices like exercise can provide incremental benefits over time
- Having supportive people who listen without judgment can make a major difference
- Seeking professional help through therapy is an important step that is difficult but impactful
- Increased awareness and openness are needed to destigmatize mental health issues like social anxiety
- Acceptance, changing one's perspective, and focusing outwardly can be beneficial mindset shifts
- Social anxiety and blushing can be debilitating conditions that often go unaddressed, especially among men
- A variety of coping mechanisms like alcohol, sleep deprivation, medication, and exercise can provide temporary relief but not a cure
Top Episodes Quotes
- “I don't know if people did know and just decided not to act on it, but there were many occasions where I turned up to a seminar fairly drunk. I don't know, again, looking back on that, it must have been obvious to people that something was different because I was the quiet guy who didn't want to talk. And then one day I would turn up able to talk and being a bit much more open. And it's because I'd been drinking beforehand.“ by Russell Norris
- “Yeah, I mean, these days, and especially since writing a book, obviously, that comes with talking about the book. I've had to do some radio interviews, I've done a few podcasts. I even went on tv when, when it first came out for like a ten minute segment on a daytime talk show, which I found very difficult, actually.“ by Russell Norris
- “I think if there was more awareness of what's available, people might be more willing to take that first step. But at least where, you know, over here, you'd need to go and speak to your doctor, and then I guess the doctor would make you aware of the option of therapy, and then you'd have to decide to go to that therapy.“ by Russell Norris
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Episode Information
Psychiatry & Psychotherapy Podcast
David Puder, M.D.
5/5/23
From childhood, Russell experienced intense social anxiety to the point that, on more than one occasion, he discontinued certain extracurricular activities and socially normal gatherings to avoid it. Red Face is a narrative of his struggles with this social anxiety, the accompanying idiopathic craniofacial erythema (uncontrollable blushing), and the many successful and unsuccessful coping mechanisms he has attempted over the years.
In today's episode, Russell shares his experience with social anxiety, which started at a young age and continued into adulthood. He will share what he does to overcome the often debilitating fear.
Link to blog here.