How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it may be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorders usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress is not proportional to the actual risk in the situation. The fear can be generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel fear and distress out of proportion with the actual risk. For example, they may be afraid of being humiliated or embarrassed in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this disorder.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause you stress. In general, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are needed to receive this kind of treatment.
In person or online You can avail therapy sessions via a chat. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that make you uncomfortable. Through disorder social anxiety can show your brain that the situations aren't as hazardous as they may appear.
It could take weeks or even months for medication to begin working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the severity of your anxiety. They can also ease the symptoms of depression. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, like alprazolam and clonazepam, can aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term.
When choosing a medication you and your doctor will have to consider the advantages and risks of each option. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and certain medications can increase your risk of suicide. If you're thinking of using an antidepressant in the future, you should discuss it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you can also consider whether the medicine could interact with any other medications or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications your doctor will also need to understand how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a severe form of anxiety that is extremely uncomfortable. This condition is more than simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant fear of being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety can be so severe that it affects all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there are various self-help methods which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group and is often paired with medication. People suffering from social anxiety should also try to engage in activities that help them feel happy. Exercise, for example, can reduce stress and boost mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.
Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those who have a competitive nature. This could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance, trying to talk to everyone at an event more times than you did last time. It could be as easy as competing with yourself, for example, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more than you did last time.
If you haven't sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations begin by speaking to your physician. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle changes. The use of medication is not an effective treatment for social anxiety however, it can alleviate symptoms and decrease the severity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and 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 you questions about your symptoms and conduct an examination to ensure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you learn new strategies to tackle anxiety and help change the negative thoughts that lead to it. CBT can be conducted on your own or in the form of a group. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy. in which a medical professional helps you gradually face the things that cause you anxiety or discomfort, rather than 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 can cause changes in the brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It may take a few weeks before the medication begins working. Benzodiazepines such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorder. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are usually only used for brief durations or in specific situations, such as before giving a speech.
There are numerous other types of medicines that be used to treat social anxiety, including tricyclic antidepressants and a class of drugs known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the appropriate medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies that you have. Inform your doctor if are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse reactions. Even even if you feel better it is crucial to follow the medication as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication increases the likelihood of having a relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to cope with your condition. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can discuss your concerns with others who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your emotions and improve your life quality. You can find support groups in person or online.
Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and membership requirements. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals and others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Consider whether the group will meet regularly or will operate more fluidly. You might consider the number of people there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
The best method to select a support group is to ask for recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews about various groups and seek feedback from people who have been in the group. You can also consult the resources offered by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide an extensive list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be an intimidating experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being in front of a group of people can be overwhelming. If you're nervous about going to a meeting with a stranger, think about asking a friend or family member to go with you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups via websites such as Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums.
A great support group can assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not alone and assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and abilities to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with care, and should not be used to replace the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.