How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be an indication that you have social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear can be specific or generalized.
Treatment
People with social anxiety disorder experience intense anxiety and stress that is not proportional to the actual risk like being embarrassed or snubbed in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations or, in some cases, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and alter negative thinking patterns. Together, you and your therapist can increase your confidence to handle difficult situations. In general 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed to receive this kind of treatment.
Therapy for talking is available in person or online. Exposure therapy is a common form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they may appear.
It can take months or even weeks for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity of your anxiety. They can also ease your depression 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 also help alleviate your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term.
Your doctor and you must weigh the risks and benefits of each medication before deciding one. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others may increase your risk of suicide. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. Your therapist and you can also consider whether the medicine may interact with other drugs or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to looking into the medications, your doctor will need to determine the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
disorders anxiety -help
Social anxiety disorder is a severe type of anxiety that can make you very uncomfortable. For those suffering from this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach prior giving a speech in public or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have a constant fear that others might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can affect all aspects of life, including work, home, and relationships. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies that can help those suffering from this condition improve their quality of life.
Self-help can be described as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which is a form of therapy that assists people understand anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed individually with a therapist or in a group, and is often paired with medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that make them feel good. Exercise, for example, can relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. This might be hard for someone with social anxiety however it is beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you may not see it yourself.
In addition, taking on challenges can be a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those who have a competitive nature. It could be as easy as to compete with yourself. For example, try to talk to every person at a party more than you did the previous time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for instance trying to speak to each person at a dinner event more than you did the last time.
If you haven't had treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your general practitioner. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can offer advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication does not eliminate social anxiety but it can help reduce the symptoms.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that affects your daily life, or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, they will 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 strategies for managing anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a healthcare professional guides you to face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort instead of trying to avoid 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 cause changes in your brain that improve your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks for the medication to begin working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder might also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping decrease anxiety and can be addictive, which is why they are typically only prescribed for short durations or in specific circumstances, like prior to giving a speech.
There are other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants and the class of medications known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the most effective medication for you, depending on your symptoms and other health issues. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements. Also discuss any potential side effects. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication exactly as prescribed. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could 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 help you cope with your condition. They provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. You can find support groups in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, consider the structure of the group and its the membership requirements. For instance, some support groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should also think about whether the group will have regular meetings or will operate on a more flexible basis. It is also important to think about how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll have.
The best method to select a support group is to request recommendations from your doctor or therapist. You should also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from people who have been in the group. You can also make use of the resources provided by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have a list of community and online support groups for anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting with strangers a frightening experience. The thought of standing in front of other people could be overwhelming. If you're nervous about attending a gathering alone, consider asking someone from your family or a friend to go with you for the first few meetings. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website offers video and audio calling, discussion forums, and chat rooms.
A supportive group can help you deal with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not alone and will assist you in recognizing that your negative self-talk aren't real or true. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and abilities to manage your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support group should be used with caution and should not replace the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.