How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
Symptoms of social anxiety disorder usually involve fear or distress in a majority of social and performance situations. The anxiety or stress in a situation is not out of proportion to the actual risk. The fears can be either specific or generalized.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxiety and fear out of proportion with the actual danger. For example, they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings lead to avoiding social situations and, in some instances, can lead to depression or other health problems. Luckily, there are many treatment options for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavior therapy, can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and to change your negative thinking patterns. You and your therapist will work together to increase your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause you stress. This kind of treatment typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. Exposure therapy is a common form of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can train your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they seem.
It could take months or even weeks before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, such as fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity of your anxiety. They may also help your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medication, such as alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin), can also be helpful in relieving your symptoms, but should only be used in short-term situations.
When choosing a medication, you and your doctor will have to consider the advantages and dangers of each. Some antidepressants may interfere with your sleeping patterns, while others could increase your risk of suicide. Consider the possibility of taking an antidepressant with your therapist or a psychologist. Your therapist and you should also consider whether the medication could interact with any other supplements or drugs you're taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medications, your doctor will need to understand how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Social anxiety disorder is a terribly form of anxiety that can make you very uncomfortable. If you suffer from this condition, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach before giving a public speech or feeling anxious about meeting new friends; they have an unending fear that people might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder is such a debilitating condition that it can affect every aspect of life including work, relationships, and home. Fortunately, there are many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.
Self-help is a form of therapy that includes cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is a type of therapy that assists people to understand anxiety and alter the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group and it is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also engage in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for instance, can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Another method to help yourself is to spend time with positive people. This might be hard for someone who is anxious about social situations, but it can be beneficial to surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you may not see it yourself.
The act of taking on challenges is a way to overcome social anxiety, particularly for those who have an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing against yourself, for instance trying to talk to each person at the dinner party more often than you did last time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example, trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party more than you did last time.
Consult your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for anxiety related to social. They can refer to a mental healthcare professional who can provide assistance and guidance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not the only solution to anxiety-related social issues however, it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or anxiety that affects your daily life, or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, talk to a health care provider. panic anxiety disorder will ask about your symptoms and will conduct an examination to confirm that you do not have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to an expert in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new strategies to manage anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that trigger anxiety. CBT can be conducted by yourself or with a group of people in support groups. Another type of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort instead of 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 cause changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It can take several weeks before the medication begins working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may also benefit from benzodiazepines such as alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications can reduce anxiety quickly and can become habit-forming. They are therefore only utilized in short-term scenarios or on demand.
There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants and the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the most effective treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health conditions. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medication or supplements. Also, discuss any possible side effects. It is crucial to keep following the prescribed dosage even if you're feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the risk of having a rebound.
Support groups
Support groups can help you understand how to cope and overcome your social anxiety. These groups provide a secure and non-judgmental space where you can talk about 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. Support groups are accessible in person or online.
Before joining a support group, consider the structure of the group and its the requirements for membership. For instance, some support groups are led by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups that have no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will be regularly scheduled to meet or if it will operate on a more flexible basis. You might be thinking about how many people will be there and how much privacy they'll enjoy.
The best method to select a support group is to seek recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You must also read reviews of various groups and request feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA which is the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide an extensive list of online and community support groups for people suffering from anxiety disorders across the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a scary experience for those suffering from social anxiety disorders, and the possibility of being in front of a large group of people can feel overwhelming. Request a friend or 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 such as Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling as well as discussion forums and a chat room.
A great support group can aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will show you that you're not alone and will assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook and build skills to deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution and should not replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.