How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of social anxiety disorder.
anxiety disorder symptoms involve fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a particular situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For instance they might be scared of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These fears can cause a fear of or avoidance of social situations or, in some cases depression or other health issues. There are many treatment options available for this condition.
Medications and psychotherapy can relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you learn ways to manage anxiety and to change your negative thinking patterns. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence and slowly face the situations that cause stress. This type of treatment usually will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, which is where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situations may not be as risky as it seems.
There are several types of drugs used to treat social anxiety disorder, but they can take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam and clonazepam, can help alleviate your symptoms. However, they should only be used for short periods of time.
When deciding on a medication, you and your physician will need to evaluate the benefits and potential dangers of each. Some antidepressants can interfere with your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication may interact with other drugs or supplements you are taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medication your doctor needs to know the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a serious type of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. This disorder is more than being nervous prior to giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder is so debilitating it can affect all aspects of life, including work or relationships, as well as at home. Fortunately, there is many self-help strategies that can help people with this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can be done in a group or individually with a therapist, and is often mixed with other medications. Social anxiety sufferers should also be involved in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can help relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to spend time with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations to surround themselves with positive people.
Taking on challenges is also a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as battling yourself, for example or trying to speak to each person at the dinner party more often than you did the last time. Or, it could be as simple as accepting a promotion at work or going back to school for a degree in the field you are interested in.
If you haven't had treatment for your social anxiety Begin by talking to your general practitioner. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can provide guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Medication isn't a cure for social anxiety however it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and conduct an examination to make sure that you do not have a medical issue that is separate from your. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety, he'll refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many types of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new techniques for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, where a health professional assists you in overcoming the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort, rather than avoiding them.
Antidepressants, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), can also help with the symptoms of social anxiety disorder. These antidepressants trigger changes in the brain which improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication starts working. Some people with social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can decrease anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They are therefore only utilized in short-term scenarios or when needed.
There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the best medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medications or supplements. Also discuss any possible side effects. It is essential to keep taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the chance of having a relapse.
Support groups
If you're a sufferer of social anxiety, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. They provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can talk about your issues with other people who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Be aware of the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. It is also important to consider whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more fluid basis. You might be thinking about the number of people there and how much privacy they'll have.
Asking your doctor or therapist for suggestions is the best way to locate an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews about different groups and get feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also make use of the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have an extensive list of community and online support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorders, and the idea of being in front of a large group of people can be overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the first few meetings if you're worried about attending on your own. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms.
A supportive group can assist you in dealing with your social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and assisting you to realize that the negative beliefs you have about yourself aren't real or accurate. It can help you develop a more positive attitude and develop techniques to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution, and should not be used to replace the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.