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How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel nervous or shy in certain situations. These feelings can become overwhelming and may be a sign that you have social anxiety disorder.
panic anxiety disorder involve distress or fear in a majority of social and performance situations. The fear or distress in a situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fear can be general or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel fear and distress in a way that is not proportional to the actual risk. For instance, they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations, and in some instances, can lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also referred to as cognitive behavioral therapy, can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and to change your negative patterns of thinking. Your therapist and you work together to build your confidence, and then gradually confront the situations that cause stress. In general 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required for this type of treatment.
Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. A common type of therapy is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can show your brain that these situations aren't as hazardous as they seem.
It could take weeks or even months before medications begin to work. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce the intensity of your anxiety. They may also help your depression symptoms. 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 may aid in relieving your symptoms. However, they should only be taken short-term.
When choosing a medication, you and your physician will need to evaluate the benefits and potential risks of each choice. Certain antidepressants can interfere with your sleep, while others can increase your suicide risk. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your therapist or psychologist. Your therapist and you should also discuss whether the medication might interact with other medications or supplements you are taking, for example, herbal remedies. Your doctor also needs to be aware of how severe your social phobia is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable in social situations sometimes, but those feelings are different from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than being nervous prior to giving an address in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being considered a victim or being embarrassed in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can affect 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 involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which helps individuals understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause anxiety. CBT can be conducted individually with a therapist or in a group and is often paired with medication. Social anxiety sufferers should also participate in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example can help relieve stress and boost mood. Spending time with positive people is another self-help technique. This might be hard for someone who is anxious about social situations however it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with people who cherish you and appreciate your beauty even though you might not be able to recognize it.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by tackling the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as simple an exercise in competition with yourself. For instance try to speak to every person at a party longer than you did last time. It could be as simple as competing with yourself, for example trying to speak to each person at a dinner party more than you did the last time.
Talk to your doctor if you haven't sought help for social anxiety. They may refer you to an expert in mental health who can provide advice and support. Self-help options include psychotherapy as well as medication. The use of medication is not an effective treatment for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help alleviate symptoms and decrease the intensity of your anxiety.
Medication
If you're experiencing anxiety or fear that interferes with your daily life or causes you to 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 make sure that you don't have a separate medical problem. If your doctor suspects you are suffering from social anxiety, he'll refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are several types of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help combat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can help you develop new strategies to tackle anxiety and assist you to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be performed on your own or in an organization that supports you. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy, where medical professionals help a patient face things that create anxiety and discomfort instead of 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 signal changes in your brain that improve mood and decrease anxiety. It could take several weeks before the medications begin working. Certain people suffering from social anxiety disorder may also benefit from benzodiazepines like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs can decrease anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They should only be used in short-term situations or on demand.
There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants, and a class known as monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will choose the most effective medication for you, based on symptoms and other health conditions. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you're taking, and discuss any side effects that could occur. It is important to keep following the prescribed dosage even if feeling better. Stopping your medication suddenly can increase the chance of an 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, non-judgmental environment where you can discuss your issues with other people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining a support group, you should consider the structure and membership requirements. Some groups are run professionally by mental health professionals while others are self-help group with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will meet regularly or if it will operate more fluidly. It is also important to consider how many members will be in attendance and how much privacy you'll enjoy.
The best method to select the right support group is to seek recommendations from your therapist or doctor. You should also read reviews about various groups and ask for feedback from people who have been in the group. You can also use 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 in the United States, Canada, and other countries.
Social anxiety disorder can make meeting with strangers a terrifying experience. The thought of being in front of others can also be intimidating. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you are worried about attending alone. You can also find support groups through a website like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums, chat rooms and discussion forums.
A good support group will aid you in dealing with your social anxiety. It will help you understand that you're not alone and assist you in recognizing that your negative thoughts about yourself are not true or distorted. It can also help you develop a more positive attitude and develop techniques to manage your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with care, and should not be a substitute for the advice of your doctor's treatment plan.
