How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder

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

Social anxiety disorder is characterized by anxiety or distress when confronted by social situations and performance situations. The distress or fear in a situation is out of proportion to the actual risk. The fear can be general or specific.

Treatment

Social anxiety sufferers feel intense fear and distress that is insignificant to the actual risk like being embarrassed or snubbed in public. These feelings cause them to avoid social situations, and in some instances, can lead to depression and anxiety disorder or other health problems. There are many treatments available for this problem.

Psychotherapy and medication can ease symptoms and improve the quality of life. Psychotherapy (also called cognitive behavioral treatment) can help you develop coping techniques to manage anxiety and alter negative thoughts patterns. Together, you and your therapist can increase your confidence to tackle difficult situations. This type of therapy 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 to social situations which make you uncomfortable. By doing this you can show your brain that the situations aren't as dangerous as they may appear.

There are a variety of medications that treat social anxiety disorders However, they can take weeks or months to begin working. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can help reduce 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, like alprazolam and clonazepam can also aid in relieving your symptoms. However they should only be taken in short-term doses.

You and your doctor must consider the risks and benefits of each medication before choosing one. Certain antidepressants may affect your ability to sleep, and some can increase your risk of suicide. If you're considering taking an antidepressant, talk about it with your psychologist or therapist. Your therapy provider and you can discuss whether the medication could interact with other drugs or supplements you're taking, such as herbal remedies. Your doctor will also need to be aware of how severe your social phobia is, and how it affects your daily life.

Self-help

Everyone is nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations However, these emotions are different anxiety disorders from those of people who have severe social anxiety disorder. This condition is more than just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's a constant fear of being judged or embarrassed 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 a variety of self-help techniques that can help people with this condition improve their lives.

Self-help may involve cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that trigger it. CBT can be done in a private session with a therapist or in a group and it is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also engage in activities that they like. Exercise, for instance can ease anxiety and improve mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to spend time with positive people. This can be difficult for someone with social anxiety However, it can be beneficial if you can surround yourself with those who are supportive of you and appreciate your beauty, even if you might not be able to be able to see it yourself.

Taking on challenges is also an effective way to reduce social anxiety, especially for those with an innate competitive streak. This could be as simple as competing with yourself, for instance or trying to speak to everyone at the dinner party more often than you did last time. It could also be as big as accepting a promotion at work or returning to school to earn a degree in your field of interest.

If you haven't sought treatment for your anxiety about social situations Begin by talking to your general practitioner. They can refer to an expert in mental health who can provide assistance and guidance. Self-help options may include psychotherapy, medication and lifestyle adjustments. Medication is not a cure for anxiety-related social issues, but it can help lessen the symptoms and reduce the intensity of your anxiety.

Medication

If you experience anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life or causes you to avoid certain situations or big life changes, speak to your health care provider. Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and conduct a physical exam to make sure that you don't have an unrelated medical issue. If your doctor suspects you have social anxiety, he will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are a variety of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can help treat social anxiety.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that are the cause of anxiety. CBT can either be done on your own or in the form of a group. Another form of psychotherapy is exposure therapy, in which a healthcare professional helps you gradually face the things that make you feel anxious or uncomfortable, rather than 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 improve mood and decrease anxiety disorder stress management. It may take a few weeks for the medications to start working. Benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin) can be prescribed for people with social anxiety disorders. These drugs can reduce anxiety quickly and become habit-forming. They should only be used in short-term situations or as needed.

There are other medicines that can be used to treat social anxiety disorders consequences. They include tricyclic antidepressants and a class called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on your symptoms and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Make sure to inform your doctor about any other supplements or medications you are taking and discuss any possible side consequences that could arise. It is crucial to continue taking your medication as prescribed, even if you are feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the risk of an relapse.

Support groups

Support groups can help you learn to manage and overcome your social anxiety. They provide an unprejudiced and safe space where do anxiety disorders come from you can discuss your issues with others who have the same condition. You can also learn to manage your feelings and improve the quality of your life. Support groups can be found in person or online.

Consider the group's structure and the membership requirements prior to joining. Some groups are led professionally by mental health professionals, while others are self-help group without professional guidance. Consider whether the group will be meeting regularly or if it will operate more fluidly. You might also want to consider how many members will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll enjoy.

Asking your therapist or doctor for suggestions is the best method to find an organization that can help you. You should also read reviews of different groups and get 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 directory of online and community support groups in the United States, Canada and other countries.

Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people with social anxiety disorders, and the idea of being in front of a group of people can feel overwhelming. Ask a friend or a family member to accompany you to the initial meetings if you're worried about attending on your own. You can find support groups on websites like Support Groups Central. This website provides audio and video calling discussions forums, as well as chat rooms.

A supportive group can help you cope with social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative thoughts you think about yourself aren't real or true at all. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook and build strategies to manage 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.