How to Cope With Social Anxiety Disorder
Many people feel shy or nervous in certain situations. If these feelings become overwhelming, it could be a sign of a social anxiety disorder.
Social anxiety disorders typically include fear or distress in the 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 generalized or specific.
Treatment
Social anxiety disorder can cause people to feel fear and distress beyond the actual risk. For instance they may be afraid of being judged or embarrassed in public. This can lead to avoidance of social situations, and in some cases, can develop into depression or other health problems. There are many treatments available to treat this problem.
Psychotherapy and medications can help relieve symptoms and improve your quality of life. Psychotherapy, also known as cognitive behavioral therapy can help you develop ways to manage your anxiety and change negative thoughts patterns. Together with your therapist, you can help you build confidence to face stressful situations. This kind of treatment typically will require between 12 and 16 sessions.
The therapy of talking can be done in person or via the internet. One common therapy is called exposure therapy, where you gradually expose yourself to social situations that make you uncomfortable. You can teach your brain to accept that the situations may not be as dangerous as they appear.
There are many types of medications used to treat social anxiety disorder however, they may take a few weeks or even months to start working. Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, like fluoxetine (Prozac) sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) can reduce the severity of your anxiety. They may also help with the symptoms of depression. Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, such as duloxetine (Cymbalta) and venlafaxine (Effexor) are other antidepressants that can help with anxiety. Antianxiety medications, such as alprazolam and clonazepam can also help alleviate your symptoms. However they should only be used short-term.
You and your doctor must evaluate the risks and advantages of each medication prior to deciding one. Certain antidepressants can affect your sleeping patterns, while others could increase the risk of suicide. If you are considering taking an antidepressant, discuss it with your therapist or a psychologist. You and your therapist can also consider whether the medicine could interact with any other medications or supplements you're taking, for example, herbal remedies. Your doctor will also have to be aware of how serious your social phobia is, and how it impacts your daily life.
Self-help
Everyone feels nervous or uncomfortable when they are in social situations However, these experiences are different than those who suffer from severe social anxiety disorder . The condition goes beyond just feeling nervous before giving a speech in public or being nervous when meeting new people. It's an ongoing anxiety about being humiliated or judged in some way. Social anxiety disorders can be so debilitating that it can impact every aspect of life, including work, home, and relationships. There are many self-help techniques available to help people with social anxiety disorder improve their quality.
Self-help can include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) which assists people to understand their anxiety and change the negative thoughts that cause it. CBT can be done by a therapist on an individual basis or in a group and is often combined with medication. People with social anxiety should also be involved in activities that they enjoy. Exercise, for example, can relieve anxiety and improve mood. Another way to improve your self-esteem is to surround yourself with positive people. This may be difficult for someone who is anxious about social situations However, it can be beneficial to surround yourself with those who cherish you and appreciate your beauty, even though you may not recognize it.
It is possible to overcome social anxiety by tackling challenges, especially if you are competitive. This could be as simple as battling yourself, for example trying to talk to everyone at a dinner party more times than you did last time. It could be as easy as battling yourself, for instance, trying to talk to each person at a dinner party more than you did the last time.
Consult your general practitioner in the event that you haven't yet sought help for social anxiety. They can refer to a mental health professional who can offer advice and assistance. Self-help options include psychotherapy and medication. The use of medication is not a cure for anxiety in social situations however it can lessen the symptoms and reduce the severity of anxiety.
Medication
If you experience anxiety and fear that interferes with your daily life or makes you avoid certain situations or major life changes, talk to an expert in health care. Your doctor will inquire about your symptoms and will conduct an examination to confirm that you don't have a separate medical condition. If your doctor suspects you suffer from social anxiety, they will refer you to a specialist in mental health. There are many kinds of psychotherapy (sometimes called "talk therapy") that can be used to treat social anxiety.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which teaches you new strategies for managing anxiety, can help change your negative thoughts and emotions that trigger anxiety. CBT can be performed by yourself or in a group of people in support groups. Exposure therapy is a different type of psychotherapy in which medical professionals help the patient confront issues that cause 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 may take a few weeks before the medication begins working. Some people with social anxiety disorder may benefit from benzodiazepines, like alprazolam, clonazepam or Xanax. These drugs work quickly to reduce anxiety and are habit-forming, so they are typically only prescribed for short intervals or in certain situations, such as before giving a speech.
There are also other medications that can be used to treat social anxiety. These include tricyclic antidepressants and the class of medications called monoamine oxide inhibitors (MAOIs). Your doctor will select the best medication for you based on the symptoms you experience and any other health conditions or allergies you suffer from. Inform your doctor if you are taking any other medications or supplements. Also, discuss any possible adverse reactions. It is essential to continue taking your medication as prescribed even if you're feeling better. Stopping your medication abruptly can increase the risk of having a relapse.
Support groups
If you're a social anxious person, support groups can help you overcome your fears and learn to manage your condition. They provide a safe and non-judgmental atmosphere where you can talk about your issues with other people who suffer from the same issue. You can also learn how to manage your feelings and improve your quality of life. Support groups are available in person or on the internet.
Before joining any support group, take note of the structure of the group and its membership requirements. For example, some groups are run by mental health professionals, while others are self-help groups with no professional guidance. Think about whether the group will be meeting regularly or operate more fluidly. It is also important to consider how many people will be in attendance and the amount of privacy you'll have.
A therapist or doctor asking for recommendations is the best way to find an organization that can help you. You must also read reviews of different groups and ask for feedback from those who have been in the group. You can also use resources provided by ADAA and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. They have a list for community and online support groups across the United States, Canada and other countries.
Meeting with strangers can be a frightening experience for people suffering from social anxiety disorder, and the idea of being in front of a crowd of people can be overwhelming. Request a friend or family member to accompany you to your first few meetings if you're concerned about going to meetings on your own. You can also find support groups through websites such as Support Groups Central, which offers video and audio calls, discussion forums chat rooms, and discussion forums.
A good support group can assist you in dealing with social anxiety by showing you that you're not alone and helping you realize that the negative beliefs you think about yourself aren't true or accurate. It can also help you develop a more positive outlook and build skills to deal with your social anxiety. Any advice you receive from an online support group should only be used with caution, and should not be a substitute for your healthcare provider's recommended treatment plan.