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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 an indication that you suffer from social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorder is characterised by fear or distress when faced with performance or social situations. The anxiety or stress in a particular situation is out of proportion with the actual risk. The fears can either be generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder causes people to feel fear and distress out of proportion with the actual risk. For example they may be afraid of being embarrassed or humiliated in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations and, in a few instances, may lead to depression or other health issues. There are a variety of treatments available for this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also referred to as cognitive behavior treatment) can help you develop coping skills to manage anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can build your confidence to tackle difficult situations. Typically, 12 to 16 therapy sessions are required to receive this kind of treatment.
Therapy for talking is available in person or via the internet. One of the most popular therapies is exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to situations that cause you to feel uncomfortable. Through this you can train your brain that these situations aren't as risky as they may appear.
There are many types of drugs that treat social anxiety disorders however, they may take weeks or 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 can also ease 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 help in reducing your symptoms, but they should only be used in short-term situations.
When choosing a medication you and your physician must consider the advantages and dangers of each. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleep, while others may increase your suicide risk. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication may interact with other drugs or supplements you are taking, like herbal remedies. In addition to evaluating the medications your doctor will also need to understand the extent to which your social anxiety is and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations however, those experiences are different than those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This disorder is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or feeling nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so severe that it can impact every aspect of life, including home, work and relationships. There are many self-help techniques available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their lives.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which aids people understand their anxiety and learn to change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be done in a group or with a counselor, and is typically combined medication. People suffering from social anxiety should also try to engage in activities that help them feel happy. panic anxiety disorder , for example, can relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another self-help technique is to be around positive people. It can be difficult for someone with social anxieties to surround themselves with positive people.
It is possible to conquer social anxiety by taking on the challenges, particularly if you are competitive. It could be as simple as an exercise in competition with yourself. For example try to talk to everyone at a party longer than you did the last time. Or, it could be as simple as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn a degree in your area of interest.
Consult your general practitioner in the event that you haven't yet sought help for social anxiety. They can refer you to a mental health professional who can offer guidance and support. Self-help options can include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle modifications. Medication does not cure social anxiety, but it does lessen the symptoms.
Medication
Speak to your doctor when you're experiencing anxiety or anxiety that is affecting your daily routine, or making you avoid certain situations or major life changes. Your doctor will ask questions about your symptoms, and will conduct a physical exam to make sure that you don't have a separate medical issue. If your doctor suspects that you have social anxiety disorder, they will refer you to a mental health professional. There are a variety of psychotherapy that can help treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can teach you new skills to deal with your anxiety and help you change the negative thoughts that trigger anxiety. CBT can either be done by yourself or as part of a support group. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, where a health professional guides you to face the things that cause anxiety or discomfort, rather than 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 the brain that boost your mood and reduce anxiety. It can take some time before the medications begin working. Some people with social anxiety disorder might benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These medications work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, so they are typically only used for short periods of time or on-demand in certain circumstances, like prior to giving an address.
There are a variety of other kinds of drugs that can be used to help with social anxiety, such as tricyclic antidepressants as well as a class of drugs known as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will determine the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health issues or allergies that you have. Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medication supplements, vitamins, or supplements. Also discuss any possible side effects. Even when you feel better, it is essential to take your medication as prescribed. Suddenly stopping your medication can increase your chances of suffering a Relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person support groups can help you overcome your anxieties and learn to manage your condition. They provide an open and safe environment where you can discuss your struggles with people who suffer from the same condition. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or online.
Be aware of the group's structure and membership requirements prior to joining. For instance, some groups are led by mental health professionals and others are self-help organizations with no professional guidance. You should consider whether the group will meet regularly or if it will be more fluid. You may want to think about the number of people who will be there and the level of privacy they'll enjoy.
A therapist or doctor asking for suggestions is the best method to locate a support group. You must also read reviews of various groups and seek feedback from those who have participated in the group. You can also use the resources offered by ADAA (the Anxiety and Depression Association of America). They have 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 a frightening experience. The idea of standing in front of people could be intimidating. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're worried about going to meetings on your own. You can also find support groups on a website like Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums.
A good support group can help you deal with your social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you understand that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't real or true at all. It can also help you develop positive attitudes and techniques to effectively deal with your social anxieties. However any advice you get from a support organization should be taken with care and should not be used to replace the treatment plan suggested by your healthcare provider.
