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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and could be an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder .

Social anxiety disorders typically include fear or distress in the majority of social and performance situations. The distress or fear is not proportional to the risk involved in the situation. The fear can be specific or generalized.





Treatment

Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel anxious and depressed beyond the actual risk. For instance they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. These emotions can lead to a avoiding of social situations, and in some cases depression or other health issues. Luckily, there are many treatments for this condition.

Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you learn strategies to manage anxiety and to change your negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you will work together to build your confidence and gradually face the situations that cause stress. This type of therapy typically takes between 12 and 16 sessions.

Online or in person In person or online, you can get access to therapy sessions via a chat. Exposure therapy is a typical type of therapy that involves gradually exposing yourself situations that make you uncomfortable. You can train your brain to accept that these situations might not be as dangerous as they seem.

There are a variety of medication used to treat social anxiety disorder However, they can take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can decrease the intensity of your anxiety. They may also help with 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 (Xanax) and Clonazepam (Klonopin) are also able to help to reduce your symptoms but should only be used short-term.

When deciding on a medication, you and your physician must weigh the benefits and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase your risk of suicide. Consider using an antidepressant with your counselor or psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medication might interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to assessing the medication, your doctor will need to determine how severe your social anxiety is and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Social anxiety disorder is a severe type of anxiety that can be very uncomfortable. If you suffer from this disorder, it's not just a matter of having butterflies in the stomach before giving a speech in public or being nervous about making new friends; they have an unending fear that people might judge them or humiliate them in some way. Social anxiety disorder can be so severe that it can affect all aspects of life including home, work and relationships. Fortunately, there is many self-help strategies which can help people suffering from this condition improve their lives.

Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be done in a group or with a psychotherapist, and is usually combined medication. People with social anxiety disorder should also consider engaging in activities that boost their mood. Exercise, for instance, can reduce anxiety and improve mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to surround yourself with 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 though you may not see it yourself.

It is possible to overcome social anxiety by taking on tasks, particularly if are competitive. It could be as simple to compete with yourself. For instance, try to talk to everyone at a gathering more than you did last time. It could be as simple as battling yourself, for example trying to speak to everyone at a dinner party longer than you did last time.

If you haven't sought treatment for your social anxiety, start by talking to your physician. They can refer to a mental health professional who can offer you advice and assistance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication, and lifestyle modifications. Medication is not a cure for social anxiety however it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of anxiety.

Medication

Consult your physician if you are experiencing anxiety or worry that is affecting your daily routine or causing you to avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct an examination to make sure that there isn't a recurrent medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you suffer from social anxiety, he'll refer you to an expert in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy that treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a method of teaching you new strategies for dealing with anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and feelings that trigger it. 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 medical professional guides you to face the things that cause 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 trigger changes in your brain that boost your mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medication begins working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may also benefit from benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, and are typically only used for short intervals or in specific circumstances, like prior to giving a speech.

There are also other medications that can be used to combat social anxiety. They include tricyclic antidepressants, as well as the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the right medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health issues or allergies you may have. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, supplements or vitamins. Also, discuss any possible side effects. Even even if you feel better it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. If you stop your medication abruptly, it could increase your risk of a rebound.

Support groups

If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and help you cope with your condition. These groups offer a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can talk about your issues with others who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or online.

Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its the membership requirements. For instance, some support groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should also consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate on a more fluid basis. You might also want to consider how many people will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.

The best method to select the right support group is to request suggestions from your doctor or therapist. You must also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have been in the group. You can also consult the resources provided by ADAA, the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They provide an extensive list of community and online 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 people suffering from social anxiety disorders. The idea of being in front of a crowd of people can feel overwhelming. If you're nervous about attending a gathering alone, consider asking someone from your family or a friend to join 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 great support 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 thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a positive attitude and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should be used with care, and should not replace your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.