How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel anxious or shy in certain situations. If these feelings get overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
The symptoms of social anxiety disorder typically involve distress or fear in the majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is not out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear can be generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety sufferers feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual danger that they face, for example, feeling embarrassed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations and, in some instances, depression or other health issues. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments for this condition.
Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping skills for managing anxiety and changing negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can help you build confidence to face stressful situations. This type of treatment usually takes between 12 and 16 sessions.
In generalized anxiety disorder or online, you can access therapy sessions via a chat. Exposure therapy is a common type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as dangerous as they seem.
There are several types of medications that treat social anxiety disorder However, they can take weeks or months to get started. disorders anxiety , like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They can also help with your depressive symptoms. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety drugs, like alprazolam (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) can also help in reducing your symptoms, but they should only be used short-term.
Your doctor and you should evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication may interact with other medications or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to know how severe your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes, but those emotions are different from those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than simply feeling anxious before giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's the constant anxiety about being judged or embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so limiting that it can impact all aspects of life, including home, work, and relationships. There are a variety of self-help methods available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality of life.
Self-help may include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids individuals understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done in a group setting or with a therapist, and is often combined with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also be involved in activities they enjoy. Exercise, for example can help reduce stress and improve mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to surround yourself with positive people. It can be difficult for someone who has social anxiety to surround themselves with positive people.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for instance or trying to speak to each person at a dinner party more times than you did the last time. Or, it could be as large as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn a degree in your area of interest.
Consult your general practitioner if you haven't sought help for social anxiety. They can refer you to an expert in mental health who can give you guidance and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. The use of medication is not an effective treatment for social anxiety however, it can reduce the symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you are experiencing anxiety and anxiety that affects your daily routine, or makes you avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam to ensure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you have a social anxiety disorder, he or she will refer you to a mental health professional. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that can treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a form of therapy that teaches you new techniques for dealing with anxiety, can help you change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of it. CBT can be conducted by yourself or in a support group. Exposure therapy is another type of psychotherapy where a healthcare professional helps the patient confront issues that cause anxiety and discomfort rather than avoiding or absconding from 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 reduce anxiety. It could take some time before the medication starts working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorders may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs are effective in helping reduce anxiety, and they can also be addictive, which is why they are usually only used for short durations or in specific situations, such as before giving a speech.
There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and the class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most appropriate treatment for you in accordance with your symptoms and health issues. Be sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you take and discuss any possible side effects that could occur. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication could increase the chance of rebound.
Support groups
If you're a social anxiety sufferer, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and help you cope with your condition. These groups provide a secure, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your emotions and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Examine the group's structure as well as membership requirements before joining. For instance, some groups are supervised by mental health professionals while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or if it will operate more fluidly. You may be thinking about the number of people there and how much privacy they'll enjoy.
Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to locate a support group. You should also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also consult resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide a list of online and community support groups for those suffering from anxiety disorders in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorders can make meeting strangers an intimidating experience. The idea of standing in front of others can be a bit stressful. If you're nervous about attending a gathering alone, consider asking an acquaintance or family member to accompany you for the first few meetings. You can also find support groups via websites like Support Groups Central, which provides audio and video calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums.
A good support group will assist you in overcoming your social anxiety. It will teach you that you are not alone and will assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself aren't real or true. It can also help develop an optimistic attitude and the abilities to manage your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support group should be treated with caution and should not be a substitute for the treatment plan suggested by your doctor.